The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,418 pages of information about The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3.

The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 3,418 pages of information about The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3.
passed a Christmas Evening.  There was among the rest a young Lady so free in Mirth, so amiable in a just Reserve that accompanied it; I wrong her to call it a Reserve, but there appeared in her a Mirth or Chearfulness which was not a Forbearance of more immoderate Joy, but the natural Appearance of all which could flow from a Mind possessed of an Habit of Innocence and Purity.  I must have utterly forgot Belinda to have taken no Notice of one who was growing up to the same womanly Virtues which shine to Perfection in her, had I not distinguished one who seemed to promise to the World the same Life and Conduct with my faithful and lovely Belinda.  When the Company broke up, the fine young Thing permitted me to take Care of her Home.  Mrs. Jane saw my particular Regard to her, and was informed of my attending her to her Fathers House.  She came early to Belinda the next Morning, and asked her if Mrs. Such-a-one had been with her?  No.  If Mr. Such-a-ones Lady?  No.  Nor your Cousin Such-a-one?  No.  Lord, says Mrs. Jane, what is the Friendship of Woman?—­Nay, they may laugh at it.  And did no one tell you any thing of the Behaviour of your Lover Mr. What dye call last Night?  But perhaps it is nothing to you that he is to be married to young Mrs.—­on Tuesday next? Belinda was here ready to die with Rage and Jealousy.  Then Mrs. Jane goes on:  I have a young Kinsman who is Clerk to a Great Conveyancer, who shall shew you the rough Draught of the Marriage Settlement.  The World says her Father gives him Two Thousand Pounds more than he could have with you.  I went innocently to wait on Belinda as usual, but was not admitted; I writ to her, and my Letter was sent back unopened.  Poor Betty her Maid, who is on my Side, has been here just now blubbering, and told me the whole Matter.  She says she did not think I could be so base; and that she is now odious to her Mistress for having so often spoke well of me, that she dare not mention me more.  All our Hopes are placed in having these Circumstances fairly represented in the SPECTATOR, which Betty says she dare not but bring up as soon as it is brought in; and has promised when you have broke the Ice to own this was laid between us:  And when I can come to an Hearing, the young Lady will support what we say by her Testimony, that I never saw her but that once in my whole Life.  Dear Sir, do not omit this true Relation, nor think it too particular; for there are Crowds of forlorn Coquets who intermingle themselves with other Ladies, and contract Familiarities out of Malice, and with no other Design but to blast the Hopes of Lovers, the Expectation of Parents, and the Benevolence of Kindred.  I doubt not but I shall be, SIR, Your most obliged humble Servant, CLEANTHES.

  Wills Coffee-house, Jan. 10.

SIR, The other Day entering a Room adorned with the Fair Sex, I offered, after the usual Manner, to each of them a Kiss; but one, more scornful than the rest, turned her Cheek.  I did not think it proper to take any Notice of it till I had asked your Advice. Your humble Servant, E. S.

The Correspondent is desir’d to say which Cheek the Offender turned to him.

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The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.