away for ever.
Such was my feeling for Susannah Temple, who, perfect as she was, was
still a woman, and perceived her power over me; but unlike the many of
her sex, exerted that power only to lead to what was right. Insensibly
almost, my pride was quelled, and I became humble and religiously
inclined. Even the peculiarities of the sect, their meeting at their
places of worship, their drawling, and their quaint manner of talking,
became no longer a subject of dislike. I found out causes and good
reasons for everything which before appeared strange--sermons in stones,
and good in everything. Months passed away--my business prospered--I
had nearly repaid the money advanced by Mr Cophagus. I was in heart and
soul a Quaker, and I entered into the fraternity with a feeling that I
could act up to what I had promised. I was happy, quite happy, and yet
I had never received from Susannah Temple any further than the proofs
of sincere friendship. But I had much of her society, and we were now
very, very intimate. I found out what warm, what devoted feelings were
concealed under her modest, quiet exterior--how well her mind was
stored, and how right was that mind.

Often when I talked over past events, did I listen to her remarks, all
tending to one point, morality and virtue; often did I receive from her
at first a severe, but latterly a kind rebuke, when my discourse was
light and frivolous; but when I talked of merry subjects which were
innocent, what could be more joyous or more exhilarating than her
laugh--what more intoxicating than her sweet smile, when she approved
of my sentiments! and when animated by the subject, what could be more
musical or more impassioned than her bursts of eloquence, which were
invariably followed by a deep blush, when she recollected how she had
been carried away by excitement?

There was one point upon which I congratulated myself, which was, that
she had received two or three unexceptionable offers of marriage during
the six months that I had been in her company, and refused them. At the
end of that period, thanks to the assistance I received from the Friends,
I had paid Mr Cophagus all the money which he had advanced, and found
myself in possession of a flourishing business, and independent. I then
requested that I might be allowed to pay an annual stipend for my board
and lodging, commencing from the time I first came to his house. Mr
Cophagus said I was right--the terms were easily arranged, a