Page:Horrid Mysteries Volume 3.djvu/189

 with respect to which the Count possessed as little of the spirit of cosmopolitism as myself; for he professed the just principle, that, as a man of the world could not be certain to be happy with his lady, one ought to take care to get something along with her, that at least would make some atonement for disappointments which might happen, and sweeten the bitterness which oftentimes is mixed in the cup of matrimonial bliss.

I was not so successful in my love, for which I probably had to thank nobody but myself; for while the fiery fair ones seem to make great pretensions, those of a gentler disposition actually demand a great deal. They do not easily forget little neglects, resent every fault one commits, and reflect at home on what one imagines to have been forgot in a moment. A great propensity for an easy and quiet life has always been a predominant stricture of my character, notwithstanding its restlessness; and my gallantry to the ladies was seldom