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 for that reason, seemed not to be susceptible of a higher culture, as she indeed was sensible of the impression of the present moment, but did not retain it long.

We spent the evening in congenial, artless pleasure, frequently changed our partners, according to the established custom, but always returned to those our good fortune had bestowed upon us at first. The Count's charming impartiality forsook him at once, and I did not hesitate to imitate his example, impelled, as it were, by an unaccountable secret enchantment. If one has, or only imagines to have, received some pleasing sensual gratification, the first impression, the first taste, always predominates strongly among those that succeed it. There were at least twenty lovely figures among these little sweet country girls, that were prettier and more charming than our partners; however, we were almost entirely insensible to their beauty. The secret impulse that urged us to return to our charmers, cannot be called