Zima, embrace the moment. The Aga Narkis entertains your mother,
and your governess is upon the watch in a balcony for your father's
return: take, read, fear nothing. But even tho' the _Bijoux indiscrets_
should be found behind your toilet, do you think it would be a matter
of wonder? No, Zima, no; it is well known, that the _Sopha_, the
_Tanzai_, and the _Confessions_ have been under your pillow. Do you
hesitate still? Know then, that Aglaé has not disdained to set her
hand to the work, which you blush to accept. "Aglaé," say you, "the
sober Aglaé!"--The same. While Zima was straying with, or perhaps
contriving how to get rid of the young Bonza Alleluia; Aglaé amused
herself innocently, by relating to me the adventures of Zaide, Alphana,
Fannia, &c.--furnished me with the few strokes, which please me in the
history of Mangogul, revised it, and pointed me out the means of making
it better: for if Aglaé is one of the most virtuous and least edifying
women in Congo; she is likewise one of the least jealous of wit, and
one of the most witty. Can Zima now think, that it becomes her to play
the scrupulous? Once more, Zima, take, read, read all; even without
excepting the narrative of the _Rambling Toy_, which may be interpreted
to you, without any expence to your virtue, provided the interpreter be
neither your spiritual director nor your lover.