Page:Modern literature (1804 Volume 1).djvu/170

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

Hamilton at the ball conduced powerfully to the same purpose. Our hero had no motive to pretend sentiments and affections which he did not feel. He was disgusted with Miss's appearance and general demeanour; and not knowing, because not regarding, her sentiments towards himself, he had imputed the adventure in the garden to the influence of prying and impertinent curiosity, and had from that time treated her with an undisguised contempt, which those who most deserve can least bear.—Meanwhile he continued to bestow attention on Jenny Collings, and they had frequent private interviews. Hamilton did not intend to seduce,—Jenny did not intend to be seduced;—but the result was the same as if there had been the deepest premeditation on either side. So true it is that instances occur in the history of love as well as of politics in