In this giddy round of vanity I passed near three years, without, in any degree, disproving my sister's opinion; for tho’ I was flattered by thousands, addressed by hundreds, was sighed to by great numbers, pestered with verses by all the small wits of the University, and attacked in sober prose by many who could not coin a rhime, or had not poetry enough in them to fill up a bouts-rimés; yet I had not one who offered to venture into wedlock with me: Nor could I wonder at it, for I had not vanity enough to think my appearance promised much conjugal felicity. But at last, a young gentleman of the University made more serious addresses to me.

This gentleman, by name Mr. Monkerton, was agreeable in person and understanding; but what particularly distinguished him, was an easiness and gentility of air and manner, which is so seldom found in very young persons at those places. He seemed to have studied the present age more than the past; and tho’ he might give less satisfaction to his tutor, than many of a more bookish turn, he was much properer to please a woman, as he could render his conversation agreeable by other means than that of flattery; the only merit to which most of my admirers could pretend.

Nor was Mr. Monkerton much less qualified to please by fortune; he had a good estate, and no father; that insurmountable obstacle to a young girl's marrying to advantage, who has no dower but her personal charms. He was indeed yet under the power of guardians, being a minor; but as he was above nineteen years of age, their authority could not last long; and his allowance was very ample.

I had reason to believe Mr. Monkerton's views were not at first so serious. He was in reality captivated; I could perceive that he did not follow me merely from idleness or fashion, but because he could not bear my absence.