l women are of my way of thinking; and
let me die if I would give up a man I loved to the first dutchess in
Christendom: 'tis all mighty well in theory; but for the practical
part, let who will believe it for Bell.

Indeed when a woman finds her lover inclined to change, 'tis good to
make a virtue of necessity, and give the thing a sentimental turn,
which gratifies his vanity, and does not wound one's own.

Adieu! I see Sir George and his fine carriole; I must run, and tell
Emily.

Ever yours,
A. Fermor.

LETTER 62.

To Miss Rivers, Clarges Street.

Jan. 28.

Yes, my Lucy, your brother tenderly regrets the absence of a sister
endeared to him much more by her amiable qualities than by blood; who
would be the object of his esteem and admiration, if she was not that
of his fraternal tenderness; who has all the blooming graces,
simplicity, and innocence of nineteen, with the accomplishments and
understanding of five and twenty; who joins the strength of mind so
often confined to our sex, to the softness, delicacy, and vivacity of
her own; who, in short, is all that is estimable and lovely; and who,
except one, is the most charming of her sex: you will forgive the
exception, Lucy; perhaps no man but a brother would make it.

My sweet Emily appears every day more amiable; she is now in the
full tyranny of her charms, at the age when the mind is improved, and
the person in its perfection. I every day see in her more indifference
to her lover, a circumstance which gives me a pleasure which perhaps it
ought not: there is a selfishness in it, for which I am afraid I ought
to blush.

You judge perfectly well, my dear, in checking the natural vivacity
of your temper, however pleasing it is to all who converse with you:
coquetry is dangerous to English women, because they have sensibility;
it is more suited to the French, who are naturally something of the
salamander kind.

I have this moment a note from Bell Fermor, that she must see me
this instant. I hope my Emily is well: Heaven preserve the most
perfect of all its works.

Adieu! my dear girl.
Your affectionate
Ed. Rivers.

LETTER 63.

To Miss Rivers, Clarges Street.

Feb. 1.

We have passed three or four droll days, my dear. Emily persists in
resolving to break with Sir George; he thinks it decent to combat her
resolution, lest he should lose the praise of generosity: he is also
piqued to see her give him