Beyond the gratification of the moment, he is totally indifferent to all
the consequences of his powers. He is not a bad man, he would not do
anything that the world--his world, at least--would consider
dishonourable; but as to reflecting upon the cruelty of inflicting
wounds, never to be healed, upon the hearts of young ladies--why, he
would as soon reflect upon the wounds he gave an enemy in the
battle-field. He considers Cupid as fair game as Mars, and thinks that
if women will be weak, and if he is irresistible, it is no fault of his,
but rather their and his misfortune.
Young ladies! the vulgar saying that a woman should never give her heart
to a man until she is asked for it, is, like many vulgar sayings, a good
one. Colonel Vaughan is the type of a class amongst which all are liable
to be thrown; and although men of his talent, knowledge of the world,
and apparent sincerity are rare, you may each of you meet with one such.
If you do, beware of falling in love with him until he plainly tells you
that he is in love with you, and asks if you are willing to marry him.
Colonel Vaughan leaves the drawing-room in search of Mr Gwynne, humming
a little Scotch air, the _refrain_ of which is 'and troth I'll wed ye
a,' a thing he has often wished he could actually do.
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