My tenderness is always built upon my esteem, and when the foundation perishes, it falls: I must own, I think it is so with every body--but enough of this: you tell me it was meant for raillery--was not the kindness meant so too?
I fear I am too apt to think what is amusement designed in earnest--no matter, 'tis for my repose to be deceived, and I will believe whatever you tell me.
"I should be very glad to be informed of a right method, or whether there is such a thing alone, but am afraid to ask the question.

It may be reasonably called presumption in a girl to have her thoughts that way.

You are the only creature that I have made my confidante in that case: I'll assure you, I call it the greatest secret of my life.

Adieu, my dear, the post stays, my next shall be longer." Lady Mary was probably more complaisant on paper than actually in her conduct of life.

She desired male as well as female companionship; she liked the admiration and the flattery of men, and, no doubt, did her best to evoke it.