apology. "The lady with me," he said, "is a young person that, like himself, was of the methodistical sect: and having heard me preach privately at Brighton, was so pleased with me, that she agreed to accompany me in my public ministry." Our hero made no comment upon this defence, but wishing the preacher success in his labours, departed. Maria, though from the innocent purity of her heart, not altogether sensible of the dangerous situation in which she had been, blushed deeply at the consciousness of the dalliance which she had permitted. Hamilton, skilled in its tendency and progressive effects, and loving Maria with a passion as honourable as ardent, on recollection and reflection, rejoiced at an intervention, which had tantalised him at the moment. But he was more than ever eager for an immediate marriage, and with impassioned earnest-
Page:Modern literature (1804 Volume 2).djvu/107
This page needs to be proofread.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/59/Modern_literature_%281804_Volume_2%29.djvu/page107-1024px-Modern_literature_%281804_Volume_2%29.djvu.jpg)