LOVEYET. My friend Frankton extolled them highly; but his description derogates from their desert;--you, too, he praised;--I listened to him--with unspeakable delight, and believed him with all the ardour of faith and expectation; for I could readily believe that, which I had so often, so sweetly experienced;--but when you last blest my eyes with that enchanting form, how was the idea exceeded by the reality!--To do justice to _such_ perfection, the praises I this minute bestowed on the ladies I have seen, would be spiritless and insufficient!--To charms like Miss Harriet's, what hermit could remain insensible!--_I_ was not insensible;--the tender passion, I began so early to entertain; a passion, which length of absence, and a succession of objects and events, had rendered too dormant, was then excited to sensations the most exquisitely sensible;--was then taught to glow with a flame, too fervent to be now suppressed! HARRIET. Were I but sure of his sincerity! [_Aside._ LOVEYET. With what indifference she hears me!--If she is so insensible to the genuine effusions of a heart like mine, I am lost indeed! But I will try a little deception to discover the truth. [_Aside._]--What a lovely picture Mr. Frankton drew of Miss Airy! But it was not too highly finished; for a thousand Loves and Graces have conspired, to make her the most accomplished of her sex. HARRIET. My pride shall not let him triumph over my chagrin. [_Aside._]--I know Miss Airy to be as accomplished as you represent her, sir: and Mr. Frankton gave such a lovely description of her, you say;--I dare say he did;--oh,--yes--yes [_Appears disconcerted, by striving to hide her concern._]--he loves her to distraction;--Mr. Frankton has doubtless made a wise choice. LOVEYET. By all that's false, she is concerned at Frankton's having praised his mistress! She absolutely loves him! [_Aside._ HARRIET. And you have seen the amiable Miss Airy, sir. LOVEYET. Forgive me, honour and veracity. [_Aside._]--Yes, Miss Trueman; and not without a deep sense of her uncommon worth and beauty. HARRIET. I admire your discernment, sir;--Mr. Frankton, too, is a very nice judge of female merit; and he cannot evince his judgment better, than by praising my friend Maria. LOVEYET. Pardon me, madam: with submission to your friend's merit, I think his panegyric would better apply to you. HARRIET. That compliment is too great, to be meant, I fancy. LOVEYET. I rather think, you value the author of it so little, that you would as soon he should withhold it, madam. HARRIET. Certainly, sir, when I have reason to think there is another who has a better right to it, and for whom it is secretly intended. LOVEYET. You wrong me much, madam:--some tattling gossip or designing knave, has whispered some falsehood to my prejudice;--probably my _rival_,--Mr. Worthnought.