After having consum'd the morning in the indearments and instructions of my new acquaintance, we went to dinner, when Mrs. Cole, presiding at the head of her cluck, gave me the first idea of her management and address, in inspiring these lively amiable girls with so sensible a love, and respect for her. There was no stiffness, no reserve, no airs of pique, or little jealousies, but all was unaffectedly gay, chearful, and easy.
After dinner, Mrs. Cole, seconded by the young ladies, acquainted me, that there was a chapter to be held that night in form, for the ceremony of my reception into the sisterhood, and in which, with all due reserve to my maiden-head, that was to be occasionally cooked up for the first proper chapman, I was to undergo a ceremonial of initiation, they were sure I should not be displeased with.
Embark'd as I was, and moreover captivated with the charms of my new companions, I was too much prejudiced in favour of any proposal they could make, to so much as hesitate an assent, which therefore readily giving, in the style of a charte blanche, I receiv'd fresh kisses of compliment from them all, in approval of my docility and good-nature, "now I was a sweet girl,———" "I came into things with a good grace,———" "I was not affectedly coy———" "I should be the pride of the house———" and the like.
