But I considered that in reality the original blame was mine.

Though your suspicion was groundless, it was not absurd.

We have been trifling too much in the face of danger.

I ought not, under the present weakness of our nature and forms of society, to have been so assiduous in my attendance upon this enchanting woman.

It would have been little wonder, if, having so many opportunities, and playing the preceptor with her as I have done, I had been entangled before I was aware, and harboured a wish which I might not afterwards have had courage to subdue.