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144 adventures ofta Rufiian gentleman. | May 30. 
iheir parties. Every thing was in her favour, birth, edu- 
cation, example, precept, experience; and I was in my 
twentieth year. As fhe had made it a regular study, fhe 
applied herself seriously toruin me. The greatest degree 
of perfection in that, art is to conceal the art itself, and 
fhe had attained that last degree of perfection. All her 
finefse was imperceptible, and it was only on reflecting on 
it, in my sad retreat, after eight months, that I have disco- 
vered it. She saw that I was distrustful, and fhe never prai- 
sed me. IfI had said a bon mot, fhe applauded it only 
by a gentle smile, which added lustre to her eyes, and 
made her appear at once both beautiful and sincere. All 
my withes were consulted and prevented. It was always 
for gaity, variety, theatres, concerts, or gaming. The mo- 
ther never failed to make a daily eulogium on the merit of 
her daughter, nor to season her panegyric with epigrams, 
the most unfavourable to her sisters of the opera. My 
Sophia, said fhe, is not like these wretches, who are alk 
interested, perfidious. deceivers; fhe is gentle and wise, 
and God be thanked, educated in good principles. I am 
persuaded that fhe was wise, for fhe well understood the 
value of money, and thought of nothing but making 
her fortune. I had already contracted debts, I dared no 
longer afk money from my father, who already complained 
of my expence, and threatened to send.me no more. [ 
told this one day to my mistrefs.—What does that signify 
fhe answered,’ I have enough for both you and me. | And 
on saymg’ these words fhe ran to her secretary and got a 
purse of a 100 guineas, which fhe put into my hand, at 
the same time giving me a kifs. She then sung these two 
lines, 
This happy day, lets love enjoy, 
And care a future time employ. 
