 to pant; and when he saw me thus, he snatched the
favourable occasion to practise all his eloquence and art. I could not resist
his energy, nor even fly from the temptation that assailed me, until he had
obtained a promise that he should, at our next meeting, reap the fruits of his
tedious expectation. Upon this condition I was permitted to retire, and blessed
heaven for my escape, fully determined to continue in the path of virtue I had
hitherto trod, and stifle the criminal flame, by which my peace and reputation
were endangered. But his idea, which reigned within my heart, without controul,
soon baffled all those prudent suggestions.
    I saw him again; and he reminded me of my promise, which I endeavoured to
evade with affected pleasantry; upon which he manifested the utmost displeasure
and chagrin, shedding some crocodile tears, and upbraiding me with levity and
indifference. He observed, that he had sollicited my favour for ten long months,
without intermission, and imagined I had held out so long on virtuous motives
only; but now he could plainly perceive that his want of success had been owing
to my want of affection; and that all my professions were insincere: in a word,
he persuaded me, that his remonstrances were just and reasonable. I could not
see the affliction of a man I loved, when I knew it was in my power to remove
it; and rather than forfeit his opinion of my sincerity and love, I consented to
his wish. My heart now flutters at the remembrance of the dear, tho' fatal
indiscretion; yet I reflect without remorse, and even remember it with pleasure.
    If I could not avoid the censure of the world, I was resolved to bear it
without repining; and sure the guilt (if there was any in my conduct) was but
venial; for I considered myself as a person absolved of all matrimonial ties, by
the insignificance of lord --, who, tho' a nominal husband, was, in fact, a mere
non entity. I therefore contracted a new engagement with my lover, to which I
resolved to adhere with the most scrupulous fidelity, without the least
intention of injuring my lord or his relations; for had our mutual passion
produced any visible effects, I would immediately have renounced and abandoned
my husband for ever, that the fruit of my love for Mr. S-- might not have
inherited, to the detriment of the right heir. This was my determination, which
I thought just, if not prudent; and for which I have incurred the imputation of
folly,
