J792» Nina, a story. ^1^ 



feasible ; flie imagined flie ought to consvult some wiser 

 and more experienced person than herself. No one ap- 

 peared better able to give her advice, on this occasion, 

 than the powerful rival, who had estranged her hus- 

 band's heart from her. She went one morning to the 

 house of Nina, disguised in such a manner as not to be 

 known, and (he addrefsed her by sajing (lie was a per- 

 son of the same profefsion. Let any one conceive, how 

 much a woman, who was virtue itself, must suffer in 

 the support of so unworthy a character. But no efforts 

 of injured love can be condemned, if Intended to pro- 

 cure that justice which is due to it. '- Behold 1" said 

 the wife of the senator, " the occasion of my visit. 

 Ever since I have known, unhappily for me I that I 

 have a heart susceptible of the soft pafsion, (I say un- 

 happily, because it has not procured me those advanta- 

 ges which it ought to have done,) — ever since that 

 time, would you believe it, beautiful Nina, I have not 

 yet been able to find out the secret of keeping one lo- 

 ver to myself? they all desert me, at the very instant 

 I imagine they liave the most reason to be attached to 

 me. The pofsefsion of a heart has more charms for me 

 than every other advantage \ I believe no one so cap- 

 able as you to teach me an art of which I am ignorant, 

 and on the knowledge of which the happinefs of my 

 life efsentially depends. Your beauty, your ifiape, your 

 charms, your good sense, the splendid fortune you en- 

 joy, all persuade me that you pofsefs this art in the 

 highest degree. How much fhall I be obliged to you, 

 charming Nina, for this discovery ! Be afsured, my ac- 

 knowledgement (hall be as great as the service you do 

 me." 



The courtezan replied, that (lie had consulted her in 

 a matter, in which it was utterly iznpolsible to lajr 



