“And now listen to me--patiently and tranquilly if you can; and I will lay down the conditions on which our complete happiness may be based,--conditions which have for their elements that generous confidence, that mutual reliance, and that candour and frankness which alone constitute pure affection.” “Proceed, dearest Perdita,” said Hatfield: “I am all attention--and your voice is sweeter in my ears than the most delicious music.” Perdita once more arranged her cap and the massive bands of her glossy hair: then, turning with a simulation of charming artlessness towards her companion, she addressed him in the following manner. CHAPTER CXXXII. THE DANGEROUS SOPHISTRY OF A LOVELY WOMAN. “You are now about to discover a new phasis in my character, dear Charles; and perhaps you will look upon my notions and opinions as unmaidenly and bold--if not positively immoral. But remember that I am not like the generality of my sex; and that my sentiments, though audacious as innovations, are nevertheless as sincerely believed in as they are tenaciously clung to by me.” “It is because you are so different from other women, not only in the loveliness of your person, but also in the tone and strength of your mind,” said Charles, “that I am thus enamoured of you--yes, and proud too of possessing your affection in return.” “But I am about to preach a doctrine which you may think repugnant to the befitting delicacy of my sex,” returned Perdita: “for it is of the uselessness of the marriage rites that I have now to discourse.” “Proceed, dearest,” said Charles; “and I will frankly give you my opinion on your views in this respect.” “Ah! now you encourage me to open my heart to you, my dear friend,” exclaimed Perdita; “and you do not affect the sanctimonious hypocrite, who frowns even before he has heard the argument broached. Thus stands our present position in my estimation:--We love each other----” “Devotedly--earnestly,” added Charles, with strong emphasis, the image of Lady Frances being as completely banished from his mind as if such a person as that charming creature did not exist in the world.