struck him with all the force of novelty.

"It is myself," he exclaimed: "but I never knew myself till now."

He had such pleasure in hearing Caroline speak of him, that he wished even
to hear her speak of his faults--of these he would, however, have been
better pleased, if she had spoken with less calmness and indulgence.

"She is a great way from love as yet," thought Buckhurst. "It is
astonishing, that with powers and knowledge on all other subjects so far
above her age, she should know so little even of the common language of
sentiment; very extraordinary, that with so much kindness, and such an
amiable disposition, she should have so little sensibility."

The novelty of this insensibility, and of this perfect simplicity, so
unlike all he had observed in the manners and minds of other young ladies
to whom he had been accustomed, had, however, a great effect upon her
lover. The openness and unaffected serenity of Caroline's countenance at
this moment appeared to him more charming than any other thing he had ever
beheld in the most finished coquette, or the most fashionable beauty.

What a divine creature she will be a few years hence! thought he. The time
will come, when Love may waken this Psyche!--And what glory it would be to
me to produce to the world such perfection!

With these mixed ideas of love and glory, Buckhurst took leave of Caroline;
still he retained hope in spite of her calm and decided refusal. He knew
the power of constant attention, and the display of ardent passion, to win
the female heart. He trusted also in no slight degree to the reputation he
had already acquired of being a favourite with the fair sex.