about five in the
evening
Melanthe also past the night in ideas which , tho ' experienced in , were not less ravishing : she was not of a temper to put any constraint on her inclinations ; and having entertained the most amorous ones for the count de Bellfleur , easily overcame all scruples that might have hindered the gratification of them : -- her head ran on the appointment she had made him : -- the means she would take to engage his constancy , -- resolved to sell the reversion of her jointure and accompany him to France , and flattered herself with the most pleasing images of a long series of continued happiness in the arms of him , who was now all to her that Henricus ever had been . Full of these meditations she rose , and soon after received from the subject of them a billet , containing these words : _ To the charming _ MELANTHE . MADAM , `` Tho ' the transporting promise you made me of refusing admittance to all company but mine , is a new instance of your goodness , yet I can not but think we should be still more secure from interruption at a place I have taken care to provide . Might I therefore hope you would vouchsafe to meet me about five in the evening at the dome of St. Mark , I shall be ready with a Gondula to conduct you to a recess , which seems formed by the god of love himself for the temple of his purest offerings , than which which none can be offered with greater passion and sincerity than those of the adorable Melanthe 's _ Most devoted , and Everlasting Slave _ , DE BELLFLEUR . _ P.S. _ . To prevent your fair friend Louisa from any suspicion on account of being left at home , I have engaged a gentleman to make her a visit in form , just before the time of your coming out : -- favour me , I beseech you , with knowing if my contrivances in both these points have the sanction of your approbation . '' Tho ' Melanthe , as may have been already observed in the foregoing part of her character , was no slave to reputation in England , and thought herself much less obliged to be so in a place where she was a stranger , and among people who , when she once quitted , she might probably never see again , yet she looked on this caution in her lover as a new proof of his sincerity and regard for her .