of a profligate horse-jockey; that he hated his company and conversation, as he was ignorant, impudent, and gross; but that the reception of such fellows was in the country a sacrifice, which must be frequently made to social neighbourhood. Maria was dressed that day with an elegant simplicity, that rendered her irresistibly bewitching. Blossom and Hamilton, different as they were in their sentiments and views, both agreed in being more than ever fired by her charms. Our hero could have instantly married her, to have such corporeal and mental attractions his own; and Blossom would have almost encountered any risk to perpetrate his purpose. He easily saw the fondness of Hamilton, but estimated its nature and object by the grossness and depravity of his own mind. Hamilton, he could not help perceiving, was extremely handsome, and as such might
Page:Modern literature (1804 Volume 1).djvu/314
This page needs to be proofread.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Modern_literature_%281804_Volume_1%29.djvu/page314-1024px-Modern_literature_%281804_Volume_1%29.djvu.jpg)