No,
Aboan, I have still a rest of beauty enough engaging, and have learned
to please too well, not to be desirable. I can have lovers still,
but will have none but Aboan." "Madam," replied the half-feigning
youth, "you have already, by my eyes, found you can still conquer; and
I believe 'tis in pity of me you condescend to this kind confession.
But, Madam, words are used to be so small a part of our
country-courtship that 'tis rare one can get so happy an opportunity
as to tell one's heart; and those few minutes we have are forced to be
snatched for more certain proofs of love than speaking and sighing;
and such I languish for."
He spoke this with such a tone that she hoped it true, and could not
forbear believing it; and being wholly transported with joy for having
subdued the finest of all the king's subjects to her desires, she took
from her ears two large pearls, and commanded him to wear 'em in
his. He would have refused 'em, crying, "Madam, these are not the
proofs of your love that I expect; 'tis opportunity, 'tis a lone
hour only, that can make me happy." But forcing the pearls into his
hand, she whispered softly to him; "Oh! do not fear a woman's
invention, when love sets her a-thinking." And pressing his hand,
she cried, "This night you shall be happy. Come to the gate of the
orange-grove, behind the otan, and I will be ready about midnight to
receive you." 'Twas thus agreed, and she left him, that no notice
might be taken of their speaking together.
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