 have prevailed with his own rapacious disposition, to part with as
much money as would have paid the expence of a will, she would not have
inherited the sixth part of his fortune; - that during his life, so far from
being educated in a way suitable to such great expectations, she was obliged to
live like a servant wench, and do the most menial offices in the family. - But
his funeral was no sooner performed, than she assumed the fine lady, and found
so many people of both sexes, to flatter, caress and instruct her, that, for
want of discretion and experience, she was grown insufferably vain and arrogant,
and pretended to no less than a duke or earl at least, for her husband; - that
she had the misfortune to be neglected by the English quality, but a certain
poor Scottish Lord was then making interest to be introduced to her
acquaintance. - In the mean time, she was fallen into the hands of a notable
lady, who had already disposed of her to a lieutenant of foot, a distant
relation of her ladyship's, though Miss, as yet, knew nothing of the affair; and
lastly, that if I proposed to dance with her, I must give him leave to represent
me as a knight or foreign count at least. - I was ravished at this piece of
information, and contented, for one night, to personate a French Marquis, that I
might the easier fulfil my revenge.
    Having made the appointment with Chatter, I went to Banter's lodgings,
having by this time conceived a great opinion of his penetration and knowledge;
and after I had injoined secrecy, told him every circumstance of my disgrace
with Melinda, and imparted the plan I had projected to mortify that proud
coquette, desiring his advice in improving, and assistance in executing the
scheme. - Nothing could be more agreeable to his misanthropical temper, than an
account of her behaviour and my resentment: He applauded my resolution, and
proposed that I should not only provide myself in a proper partner, but also
procure such an one for Miss Goosetrap, as would infallibly intail upon her the
ridicule of all her acquaintance: For this purpose he mentioned his barber, who,
he said, was an exceeding coxcomb, lately come from Paris, whose absurd
affectation and grimace would easily pass upon her, for the sprightly politesse
of a gentleman improved by travel. - I hugged him for this hint; and he assured
me, it would be no difficult matter to make him believe, that Melinda having
seen him by accident, was captivated by
