A romance? Yes, but a romance in the Franklinian manner, somewhat risqué, somewhat avuncular, taking a bold step forward and an ironic step backward, implying that he is tempted as a man but respectful as a friend. Of all shades of feeling, this one, the one the French call amitié amoureuse—a little beyond the platonic but short of the grand passion—is perhaps the most exquisite.
