Page:Magdalen, or, The history of a reform'd prostitute.pdf/11

 the fashionable diversions and amusements for which I had contracted an insuperable fondness; as they led me to display those personal graces, which alone I was taught to cultivate; and which, alas! I valued but too highly. My mother's death tended to advance me more early into a state of womanish behaviour; and my father gratified too blindly my wild inclinations. As I had heard only general and random lessons of virtue, and very few or occasional instructions in religion, it is not to be supposed, that mere female honour could give me great strength to withstand temptations. But indeed, I thought little of temptations: as I scarcely knew what was vice, so it gained little of my reflection: my chief with was to be admired; and my grand aim and pursuit, to get a very fine and wealthy husband. Chariots, country houses, routs, dress, and gaiety occupied my waking and sleeping thoughts.

Thus a year and more ran on: during which time I wanted not admirers; for I must be allowed to say, my person was pleasing and attractive. Amongst these the son of an opulent merchant in our neighbourhood attended me most assiduously; and his endearing behaviour soon won my unsuspecting heart. My father encouraged his visits; which yet he himself desired might be as secret as possible: 'For his father, he informed us, would be greatly of-