more worthy of the love, and more deserving of the affection, of a man of sense and delicacy.  How then was it possible for him to bear the thoughts of leaving her?  This appeared to him absolutely impracticable; however, as he was desirous of making a merit with her, of the determination he had made to neglect his fortune, rather than to be separated from her charms, he showed her his sister’s letter:  but this confidence had not the success he expected.

Miss Hamilton, in the first place, congratulated him upon his recall:  She returned him many thanks for the sacrifice he intended to make her; but as this testimony of affection greatly exceeded the bounds of mere gallantry, however sensibly she might feel this mark of his tenderness, she was, however, determined not to abuse it.  In vain did he protest that he would rather meet death than part from her irresistible charms; and her irresistible charms protested that he should never see them more, unless he departed immediately.  Thus was he forced to obey.  However, he was allowed to flatter himself, that these positive orders, how harsh soever they might appear, did not flow from indifference; that she would always be more pleased with his return than with his departure, for which she was now so urgent; and having generously given him assurances that, so far as depended upon herself, he would find, upon his return, no variation in her sentiments during his absence, he took leave of his friends, thinking of nothing but his return, at the very time he was making preparations for his departure.

ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS: 

All day poring over his books, and went to bed soon
Devote himself to his studies, than to the duties of matrimony
Embellish the truth, in order to enhance the wonder
Grew so fat and plump that it was a blessing to see her
Not disagreeable, but he had a serious contemplative air
Public is not so easily deceived as some people imagine