 incognita.« I was transported with joy on reading the contents
of this billet doux, which I admired as a master-piece of tenderness and
elegance, and was already up to the ears in love with the author, whom my
imagination represented as a lady of fortune, in the bloom of youth and beauty.
- Elevated with this conjecture, I went to work and exhausted my invention in
composing an answer suitable to the sublimity of her stile, and the ardour of
her sentiments. - I expressed my admiration of her wit, in terms the most
hyperbolical, and while I acknowledged myself unworthy of her regard, declared
myself enamoured of her understanding; and in the most pathetick manner,
implored the honour of an interview. - Having finished this performance, and
communicated it to Strap, who skipped about for joy, I dispatched him with it to
the place appointed, which was the house of a milliner not far from Bond-street,
and desired him to keep watch near the door for some time, that he might
discover the person who would call for it. - In less than an hour he returned,
with a joyful countenance, and told me, that soon after he had delivered the
letter a chairman was called, to whom it was given, with directions to carry it
to the house of a rich gentleman in the neighbourhood, whither he (Strap)
followed him, and saw it put into the hands of a waiting-woman, who paid the
messenger and shut the door; - That upon inquiry at an alehouse hard by, where
he called for a pint of beer, he understood, that the gentleman to whom the
house belonged had an only daughter, very handsome, who would inherit his whole
estate; and who certainly was the author of the billet I had received. - I was
of the same opinion, and hugging myself in the happy prospect, dressed
immediately, and passed in great state by the house that contained my unknown
admirer. - Nor was my vanity disappointed; for I perceived a beautiful young
creature standing at one of the windows of the dining-room, who, I imagined,
observed me with more than common curiosity. That I might indulge her view, and
at the same time feast my own, I affected to stop, and give orders to Strap, in
the street, just opposite to her station, by which means I had an opportunity of
seeing her more distinctly, and of congratulating myself on having made a
conquest of so much perfection. - In a few moments she retired, and I betook
myself to the ordinary,
