Now more polite, and more estranged became.

She could but feel that she had longer known

This valued friend—he was indeed her own;

But Frances Dyson, to confess the truth,

Had more of softness—yes, and more of youth; 460

And, though he said such things had ceased to please,

The worthy Major was not blind to these:

So without thought, without intent, he paid

More frequent visits to the younger Maid.

Such the offence; and, though the Major tried