- 'tis associated. -
But I'll not describe it; - I felt something at first within me
which was not in strict unison with the lesson of virtue I had
given her the night before. - I sought five minutes for a card; - I
knew I had not one. - I took up a pen. - I laid it down again; - my
hand trembled: - the devil was in me.
I know as well as any one he is an adversary, whom, if we resist,
he will fly from us; - but I seldom resist him at all; from a
terror, though I may conquer, I may still get a hurt in the
combat; - so I give up the triumph for security; and, instead of
thinking to make him fly, I generally fly myself.
The fair fille de chambre came close up to the bureau where I was
looking for a card - took up first the pen I cast down, then offer'd
to hold me the ink; she offer'd it so sweetly, I was going to
accept it; - but I durst not; - I have nothing, my dear, said I, to
write upon. - Write it, said she, simply, upon anything. -
I was just going to cry out, Then I will write it, fair girl!
