ABSTRACT
The visit which Miss Woodford received from the Duke of Heartwing, roused her torpid spirits to a new exertion; she had, previous to her confinement, received a letter from Colonel Aubrey, liberally offering her his hand, and promising to bury her indiscretion in eternal oblivion. This noble and generous conduct may be condemned by the fastidious; but it will not fail to excite admiration in the bosom that is softened by humanity. There are few men, born and educated in the great world, who would take to their arms a repentant wanderer, and allow, that a life of sober virtue has power to compensate for the criminality of a single moment: but there are many who will readily resign their domestic treasure to the licentious embraces of another, and even glory in the boast of being wedded to a sanctioned wanton! Which of the two is the most honourable character, I shall leave modern sophists to determine: my opinion has long been decisive on the subject.
