The answer is, that as every the least of his actions towards Rosilia involved design,—well aware that few could read that work without being deeply interested in the character of its hero, and of deeply sympathising in that over-reserve which led him to conceal so delicate and deep rooted an attachment.
That he also, like the Man of Feeling, nourished within him, the canker of his own destruction, a hopeless passion equally preying upon his vitals, and which might equally, as with Harley, terminate his existence. He had wished also to have insinuated that in Werter there were traits of character bearing no small resemblance to his own.
Trusting to be more successful in introducing the "Man of Feeling" to her notice, for three successive days it was carried about him, waiting to seize an occasion for presenting the volume. With the most placid demeanour Rosilia listened to the arguments advanced in its praise; her resolution being taken, she determined not to waver: she refused it as she former. It might be, as he said, unexceptionable; but she was careful how she permitted herself to accept any favour at his hands. She feared giving encouragement to him, particularly as she began to suspect his views in thus acting might arise from the hopes he entertained of exciting a return of sentiment: weighing the circumstance in accordance with her inward feelings, she readily acknowledged she
