Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/142

 a ruby in the form of a heart, surrounded by diamond sparks, for which I paid ten guineas, intending in for a present to the charmer of my soul; Narcissa having by Miss Williams signified a wish to see me that evening. I went at the hour appointed, when, nothwithstanding what she had heard to my disadvantage she received me with the utmosts tenderness; and having been informed of the general sketches of my life by Miss Williams, expressed a desire of knowing the particular circumstances—which I with great candour. She bewailed her restriced condition, and told me that Lord Quiverwit, by her brother's permission had been to drink tea with her that very afternoon and actually proposed marriage; but seeing me extremely affected offered to give me a convincing proof of her affection, by espousing me in private; and leaving the rest to fate. I was penetrated with this instance of her regard, but resisted the temptation in consideration of her honour and interest; at the same time presenting myself at a pledge of my invoilable attachment, and on my keens implored Heaven to shower its curses on my head if  my  should  one thought  of the  I then avowed. She received my