the means of continuing his observations unseen, in which he succeeded without much trouble. He hired the largest looking-glass he could get, and hung it up in his room in such a manner that it reflected every thing which passed in the opposite room of his fair neighbours.—For many days he never shewed himself, till at length the curtains were drawn back by degrees, and the mirror sometimes received and reflected the beautiful form of the maiden to the great delight of its possessor. As love rooted itself deeper in his heart, his wishes, to make his passion known to Mela, grew stronger, and he resolved, if possible, to learn the state of her feelings towards him.
It was, indeed, much more difficult in those modest times for youths to get introduced to the daughters of a family than at present; and Frank’s forlorn condition added to those difficulties. Morning visits were not then in fashion; confidential tête à tête’s were followed by the loss of a young woman’s reputation; walks, masquerades, balls, routs, soupés, and all the thousand modern inventions to promote
