 was introduced into an apartment, magnificently
lighted up (I suppose) for my reception.
    After I had stayed alone for some time in this mysterious situation, without
seeing a living soul, my inviter appeared, and said, he hoped I would not take
it amiss, that he and I were to sup by ourselves, as he had something to say,
which could not be so properly communicated before company or servants. I then,
for the first time, perceived his drift, to my no small surprize and
indignation; and with evident marks of displeasure told him, I was sure he had
nothing to propose that would be agreeable to my inclination, and that I would
immediately leave the house. Upon which, he gave me to understand, that I could
not possibly retire, because he had sent away my chair, and all his servants
were disposed to obey his orders.
    Incensed at this declaration, which I considered as an insult, I answered
with an air of resolution, it was very well; I despised his contrivance, and was
afraid of nobody. Seeing me thus alarmed, he assured me I had no reason to be
afraid; that he had loved me long, and could find no other opportunity of
declaring his passion. He said, the Q- had told him, that lord C-- had renewed
his addresses to me; and as he understood from my own mouth, my correspondence
with S-- was absolutely broke off, he thought himself as well intitled as
another to my regard. In conclusion, he told me, that I might command his purse,
and that he had power enough to bring me into the world again with éclat. To
these advances I replied, that he was very much mistaken in his opinion of my
character, if he imagined I was to be won by any temptations of fortune, and
very frankly declared, that I would rather give myself to a footman, than sell
myself to a prince.
    Supper being served, we sat down together; but I would neither eat nor drink
any thing, except a little bread and water; for I was an odd whimsical girl; and
it came into my head, that he might, perhaps, have mixed something in the
victuals or wine, which would alter my way of thinking. In short, finding
himself baffled in all his endeavours, he permitted me, about twelve o'clock, to
depart in peace, and gave up his suit, as a desperate cause.
    This uncomfortable life did I lead for a whole twelvemonth, without feeling
the least abatement of my melancholy;
