f a serious engagement: I
attached myself to the most seducing, most attractive of women,
without thinking the pleasure I found in seeing her of any consequence;
I thought her lovely, but never suspected I loved; I thought the
delight I tasted in hearing her, merely the effects of those charms
which all the world found in her conversation; my vanity was gratified
by the flattering preference she gave me to the rest of my sex; I
fancied this all, and imagined I could cease seeing the little syren
whenever I pleased.

I was, however, mistaken; love stole upon me imperceptibly, and
_en badinant_; I was enslaved, when I only thought myself amused.

We have not yet seen Miss Montague; we go down on Friday to
Berkshire, Bell having some letters for her, which she was desired to
deliver herself.

I will write to you again the moment I have seen her.

The invitation Mr. and Mrs. Temple have been so obliging as to give
us, is too pleasing to ourselves not to be accepted; we also expect
with impatience the time of visiting you at your farm.

Adieu!
Your affectionate
J. Fitzgerald.

LETTER 179.

To Captain Fitzgerald.

Stamford, Sept. 16, Evening.

Being here on some business, my dear friend, I receive your letter
in time to answer it to-night.

We hope to be in town this day seven-night; and I flatter myself,
my dearest Emily will not delay my happiness many days longer: I grudge
you the pleasure of seeing her on Friday.

I triumph greatly in your having been seduced into matrimony,
because I never knew a man more of a turn to make an agreable husband;
it was the idea that occurred to me the first moment I saw you.

Do you know, my dear Fitzgerald, that, if your little syren had not
anticipated my purpose, I had designs upon you for my sister?

Through that careless, inattentive look of yours, I saw so much
right sense, and so affectionate a heart, that I wished nothing so much
as that she might have attached you; and had laid a scheme to bring you
acquainted, hoping the rest from the merit so conspicuous in you both.

Both are, however, so happily disposed of elsewhere, that I have no
reason to regret my scheme did not succeed.

There is something in your person, as well as manner, which I am
convinced must be particularly pleasing to women; with an extremely
agreable form, you have a certain manly, spirited air, which promises
them a protector; a look of understanding, which is