Now we are never at a Loſs to diſcern this in Women about Forty; for as ſuch grave, ſerious and experienced Ladies well know their own Meaning, ſo it is always very eaſy for a Man of the leaſt Sagacity to diſcover this[errata 1] with the utmoſt Certainty.
Miſs Bridget is an Example of all theſe Obſervations. She had not been many Times in the Captain’s Company before she was ſeized with this Paſſion. Nor did ſhe go pining and moping about the Houſe, like a puny fooliſh Girl, ignorant of her Diſtemper: She felt, ſhe knew, and ſhe enjoyed, the pleaſing Senſation, of which, as ſhe was certain it was not only innocent but laudable, ſhe was neither afraid nor aſhamed.
And to ſay the Truth, there is in all Points, great Difference between the reaſonable Paſſion which Women at this Age conceive towards Men, and the idle and childiſh Liking of a Girl to a Boy, which is often fixed on the Outſide only, and on Things of little Value and no Duration; as on Cherry Cheeks, ſmall Lily-white Hands, ſlow-black Eyes, flowing Locks, downy Chins, dapper Shapes, nay ſometimes on Charms more worthleſs thantheſe
