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118
DUTY AND INCLINATION.

loss of her mother had greatly abated since I first beheld her; she began to give way to sprightly sallies; her countenance assumed an expression of gaiety, less interesting, but more brilliant. I perceived, but it was not without increasing admiration, that vivacity was her natural characteristic.—If, when languishing under dejection, she captivated my heart, you may imagine how greatly my passion strengthened, when each day opened to my view some new grace, some new charm, as well mental as personal.

"This innocent creature has never been seen or admired by any, the village rustic excepted around her dwelling; she has therefore remained perfectly ignorant of the effect of her charms, and their power over the heart. Fashion, in the little spot she inhabits, has not usurped its sway: Angelina's natural beauties shine far more lovely in her simple attire than they possibly could do if invested by the trappings of art. Wild and thoughtless, light and airy, I have seen her chase a butterfly; her glossy tresses sporting in the breeze, sometimes entwining her beautiful neck, or partly shading her finely formed waist. The tutored belle of fashion gliding down the dance, amidst obsequious beaux, never awakened half the rapture, was never half so graceful and alert.