Surprise followed surprise; the instinct implanted by nature in my heart began to develop. Now that some of the clouds with which she had covered it were removed, I discovered the cause of the sensations I every day experienced at the sight of women. Those imperceptible transitions, from tranquility to extreme excitement, from indifference to desire, were no longer enigmas to me.

“Ah,” I exclaimed, “how happy they were! They were both transported with joy. How great must have been the pleasure they experienced! What bliss was theirs!” These ideas completely absorbed me, so much so that for a moment I lost all power of reflection. A profound silence followed the exclamations.

“Oh,” continued I, “should I ever have the luck to do as much for some woman, I must certainly expire upon her with pleasure, since this sight has given me so much. My enjoyment can only be a faint image of what father Polycarp tasted with my mother! But what a fool am I, no doubt that pleasure can only be for grown up persons? Still, by jingo, it seems as if it does not depend on the stature, and provided one is on the other, all will go on bravely!”

It immediately occurred to me that I would impart my discovery to my sister Susan, who was some years older than myself. She was a pretty little fair complexioned girl, with one of those open countenances that you might be ready to think silly because they appear indolent. Her eyes were beautifully blue, full of a melting softness, and seemed to look at you without meaning it. They produced quite as much effect on one as the bright eyes of a brunette with their piercing glance. How was that? I don't know; for I have always been satisfied with feeling it to be so, without investigating the cause. May it not be that the delicate fair one with her languishing looks, seems to entreat you to give her your heart, and that the brunette threatens to take it by storm? The one only asks your compassion in this seductive manner, and in granting that you give her your love: the other, on the contrary, wishes to make you yield without promising a return, and at this your heart rebels; is it not so? What do you think, reader?