She had scarcely reached her eighteenth year, when, by her beauty, learning, and elegance, she attracted the notice of Peter Abelard, a young but celebrated doctor of theology; who took advantage of the parsimony of her uncle, to introduce himself into the house as a lodger, and to grant, as a favour to him, lessons in philosophy, which he wished to give his niece, as a means of enjoying her society, and ingratiating himself into her favour.
Fulbert, vain of Heloise's talents, and anxious for her improvement, complied but too readily with his scheme, and her innocence fell a victim to the admiration and love her young preceptor inspired. On discovering the truth, her uncle, almost distracted, forbade their interviews; but they contrived to meet, till it became improper for her to remain where she then was, and Abelard took her off, by stealth, to his sister's, in Britanny, where she had a son. Determined to save her reputation as much as was now in his power, her lover then went to her uncle, and after the first storm of his passion was over, proposed to marry her; but wished, for a while, it might be kept secret. At length the old man acceded; hut when Heloise heard his determination, she objected forcibly to it, on the score of Abelard's interest as a theologian. His celebrity, and his hopes of rising in the church, she affirmed would be ruined by this match. He saw, that, regardless of her own interest, she considered only his; and his affection could less than ever submit to a sacrifice far less delicate than generous. The injunction of secrecy was repeated, and
