This language is the more perfidious for being apparently truthful
and natural. When there is question of corrupting a heart that is yet
virtuous, vice conceals itself under the mantle of virtue, as
otherwise its efforts would be powerless. Now, we can safely say that
its venom has already tainted the young lady's heart, when, through
inattention and want of vigilance, she has suffered doubt to brood
over any of those obligations which are so delicate and difficult to
determine, and, nevertheless, most grave and important, since they
entail, when neglected, the most disastrous results. Firmness of
mind, assurance in her convictions, a clear and strong consciousness
of duty, are to her indispensable qualifications; and when she
suffers this tenor of conduct to be interfered with by imprudently
replying, like Eve, to a captious question, the peace and innocence
of her heart are certainly threatened.
The young girl's innocence is something that is very imperfectly
known; the delicate and almost imperceptible shades that reflect its
beauty and which render it delightful to God and His angels, escape
the general notice of mankind.
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