"And, now, Admiral Bluewater, do not hesitate to speak to me with the frankness that a parent might use.

I will listen with the respect and deference of a daughter." "Then do listen to what I have to say, and make no answer, if you find yourself wounded at the freedom I am taking.

It would seem that there is but one subject on which a man, old fellow or young fellow, can speak to a lovely young girl, when he gets her alone, under the light of a fine moon;--and that is love.

Nay, start not again, my dear, for, if I am about to speak on so awkward a subject, it is not in my own behalf I hardly know whether you will think it in behalf of any one; as what I have to say, is not an appeal to your affections, but a warning against bestowing them." "A warning, Admiral Bluewater! Do you really think that can be necessary ?" "Nay, my child, that is best known to yourself.

Of one thing I am certain; the young man I have in my eye, affects to admire you, whether he does or not; and when young women are led to believe they are loved, it is a strong appeal to all their generous feelings to answer the passion, if not with equal warmth, at least with something very like it." "Affects to admire, sir!--And why should any one be at the pains of _affecting_ feelings towards me, that they do not actually entertain?
I have neither rank, nor money, to bribe any one to be guilty of an hypocrisy so mean, and which, in my ease, would be so motiveless." "Yes, if it _were_ motiveless to win the most beautiful creature in England! But, no matter.