 she had heard to my disadvantage, received me with the
utmost confidence and tenderness; and having been informed of the general
sketches of my life, by Miss Williams, expressed a desire of knowing the
particular circumstances, which I related with great candour, omitting however,
some things which I concluded altogether improper for her ear, and which the
reader's reflection will easily suggest. - As my story was little else than a
recital of misfortunes, the tear of sympathy ceased not to trickle from her
inchanting eyes, during the whole of the narration, which when I had finished,
she recompensed me for my trouble, with the most endearing protestations of
eternal love. - She bewailed her restricted condition, as it was the means of
retarding my happiness; told me, that Lord Quiverwit, by her brother's
permission, had been to drink tea with her that very afternoon, and actually
proposed marriage; and seeing me extremely affected with this piece of
information, offered to give me a convincing proof of her affection, by
espousing me in private, and leaving the rest to fate. - I was penetrated with
this instance of her regard, but that I might not be outdone in generosity,
resisted the bewitching temptation, in consideration of her honour and interest;
at the same time, presented my ring as a pledge of my inviolable attachment, and
on my knees, implored heaven to shower its curses on my head, if ever my heart
should entertain one thought unworthy of the passion that I then avowed. - She
received my token, gave me in return her picture in miniature, exquisitely drawn
and set in gold; and in the same posture called heaven to witness and to judge
her flame. - Our vows thus reciprocally breathed, a confidence of hope ensued,
and our mutual fondness becoming as intimate as innocence would allow, I grew
insensible of the progress of time, and it was morning before I could tear
myself from this darling of my soul! - My good angel foresaw what would happen,
and prompted me to indulge myself on this occasion, in consideration of the
fatal absence I was doomed to suffer.
    I went to bed immediately on my return to my lodging, and having slept about
two hours, was waked by Strap, who, in great confusion, told me, there was a
footman below with a letter for me, which he would deliver to no body but
myself. - Alarmed at this piece of news, I desired my friend to shew him up to
my chamber, and received a letter from him, which, he said, required an
immediate answer
