a thing?"

"Because every look, every word betrays it, answered she; Come my
dear Henrietta, consider me as a freind, and be sincere with me
--Do not you prefer Mr Musgrove to any man of your acquaintance?"

"Pray do not ask me such questions Lady Scudamore, said I turning
away my head, for it is not fit for me to answer them."

"Nay my Love replied she, now you confirm my suspicions. But why
Henrietta should you be ashamed to own a well-placed Love, or why
refuse to confide in me?"

"I am not ashamed to own it; said I taking Courage. I do not
refuse to confide in you or blush to say that I do love your
cousin Mr Musgrove, that I am sincerely attached to him, for it
is no disgrace to love a handsome Man. If he were plain indeed I
might have had reason to be ashamed of a passion which must have
been mean since the object would have been unworthy. But with
such a figure and face, and such beautiful hair as your Cousin
has, why should I blush to own that such superior merit has made
an impression on me."

"My sweet Girl (said Lady Scudamore embracing me with great
affection) what a delicate way of thinking you have in these
matters, and what a quick discernment for one of your years! Oh!
how I honour you for such Noble Sentiments!"

"Do you Ma'am said I; You are vastly obliging. But pray Lady
Scudamore did your Cousin himself tell you of his affection for