m a
pre-eminence over the ladies of most other countries, that is highly
gratifying to a mind already so much attached to its native city, by the
most endearing of all human ties;--they are all that the warmest, the most
luxuriant fancy can wish; beautiful--almost beyond the possibility of an
increase of charms; and--I had almost said, they furnish room for love and
warm conceptions, "even to madness!"

HARRIET. I am in doubt no longer;--such passionate expressions must have
Love for their prompter. [_Aside._

LOVEYET. My friend Frankton extolled them highly; but his description
derogates from their desert;--you, too, he praised;--I listened to
him--with unspeakable delight, and believed him with all the ardour of
faith and expectation; for I could readily believe that, which I had so
often, so sweetly experienced;--but when you last blest my eyes with that
enchanting form, how was the idea exceeded by the reality!--To do justice
to _such_ perfection, the praises I this minute bestowed on the ladies I
have seen, would be spiritless and insufficient!--To charms like Miss
Harriet's, what hermit could remain insensible!--_I_ was not
insensible;--the tender passion, I began so early to entertain; a passion,
which length of absence, and a succession of objects and events, had
rendered too dormant, was then excited to sensations the most exquisitely
sensible;--was then taught to glow with a flame, too fervent to be now
suppressed!

HARRIET. Were I but sure of his sincerity! [_Aside._

LOVEYET. With what indifference she hears me!--If she is so insensible to
the genuine effusions of a heart like mine, I am lost indeed! But I will
try a little deception to discover the truth. [_Aside._]--What a lovely
picture Mr. Frankton drew of Miss Airy! But it was not too highly finished;
for a thousand Loves and Graces have conspired, to make her the most
accomplished of her sex.

HARRIET. My pride shall not let him triumph over my chagrin. [_Aside._]--I
know Miss Airy to be as accomplished as you represent her, sir: and Mr.
Frankton gave such a lovely description of her, you say;--I dare say he
did;--oh,--yes--yes [_Appears disconcerted, by striving to hide her
concern._]--he loves her to distraction;--Mr. Frankton has doubtless made a
wise choice.

LOVEYET. By all that's false, she is concerned at Frankton's having
praised his mistress! She absolutely loves him! [_A