But, alas! it must indeed be confessed that a vast number of
women wish to be deceived, not only in their discernment of the
sentiment by which they are actuated, but also in their preference
for it. And through some unaccountable blindness, they fear every
thing that might interfere with their cherished idol. They purposely
shut their eyes to the light of truth, preferring to deceive and be
deceived than to be obliged, on seeing the matter in its true light,
to doubt the power of their frivolous charms; as a proof of this the
least compliment paid them for their beautiful or handsome appearance
puts them beside themselves so far as to make them forget to consider
whether such compliments are authorized by sincerity or flattery.
In vain will you try to convince them that this is not the way in
which a genuine sentiment is formed and manifested. It is useless to
tell them that such a sentiment does not spring up suddenly in the
heart; that, on the contrary, its development is due to the process
of a constant and almost insensible growth; being characteristically
modest, calm, reserved, and even timid; having God for its first
confidential friend, and pure souls for its tutors.
Pages:
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163