Pagina 226 di 817

"I do assure you, sir, that I have no pretensions whatever to

that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable

man. I would rather be paid the compliment of being believed

sincere. I thank you again and again for the honour you have done

me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely

impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it. Can I speak

plainer? Do not consider me now as an elegant female intending to

plague you, but as a rational creature speaking the truth from

her heart."

"You are uniformly charming!" cried he, with an air of awkward

gallantry; "and I am persuaded that, when sanctioned by the

express authority of both your excellent parents, my proposals

will not fail of being acceptable."