N otice now my humble line;
N ever was there such a feeling
I n my breast, as now is stealing,
E re I saw that form divine."
"Pray spare me the rest," exclaimed Annie, almost suffocated with laughter, which she vainly tried to repress, "my modesty is too sensitive to stand such praises, so I entreat you to allow us to exercise our imaginations as to the remainder."
"Do you know when I began that I wanted to make every word in the line commence with the same letter, but I could not manage it; it was too much for me."
"I can easily believe that," replied Mr. Millar, gravely. "I think it was too much for my sister too; you should not indulge young girls with such flattery: depend upon it, it's very bad for them."
"Oh, dear no," replied he, "a little flattery delicately administered makes way amazingly amongst those whose hearts are soft and easily touched."
"Amongst which number I conclude you reckon me?" enquired Annie.
"No, indeed, you are hard-hearted and cruel to a degree to drive twenty such men as me to despair."