VIII

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ect,andthathefeltshewouldbedelightedwiththeattentionsofanymaninclinedtoflirtwithher.Herbehaviour,Iconfess,hasbeencalculatedtodoawaywithsuchanideaIhavenotdetectedthesmallestimproprietyinit—nothingofvanity,ofpretension,oflevityandsheisaltogethersoattractivethatIshouldnotwonderathisbeingdelightedwithher,hadheknownnothingofherprevioustothispersonalacquaintancebut,againstreason,againstconviction,tobesowellpleasedwithher,asIamsureheis,doesreallyastonishme.Hisadmirationwasatfirstverystrong,butnomorethanwasnatural,andIdidnotwonderathisbeingmuchstruckbythegentlenessanddelicacyofhermannersbutwhenhehasmentionedheroflateithasbeenintermsofmoreextraordinarypraiseandyesterdayheactuallysaidthathecouldnotbesurprisedatanyeffectproducedontheheartofmanbysuchlovelinessandsuchabilitiesandwhenIlamented,inreply,thebadnessofherdisposition,heobservedthatwhatevermighthavebeenhererrorstheyweretobeimputedtoherneglectededucationandearlymarriage,andthatshewasaltogetherawonderfulwoman.Thistendencytoexcuseherconductortoforgetit,inthewarmthofadmiration,vexesmeandifIdidnotknowthatReginaldistoomuchathomeatChurchhilltoneedaninvitationforlengtheninghisvisit,IshouldregretMr.Vernon’sgivinghimany.LadySusan’sintentionsareofcoursethoseofabsolutecoquetry,oradesireofuniversaladmirationIcannotforamomentimaginethatshehasanythingmoreseriousinviewbutitmortifiesmetoseeayoungmanofReginald’ssensedupedbyheratall. Iam,&c., CATHERINEVERNON.