 a croud of professed
admirers, who sighed and flattered in the usual forms; but, besides that my
heart was not yet in a condition to contract new engagements, I was prepossessed
against them all, by supposing that they presumed upon the knowledge of my
indiscretion with S--; and therefore rejected their addresses with detestation
and disdain: for, as I have already observed, I was not to be won, but by the
appearance of esteem and the most respectful carriage; and though, by a false
step, I had, in my own opinion, forfeited my title to the one, I was resolved to
discourage the advances of any man who seemed deficient in the other.
    In this manner, my lovers were, one by one, repulsed, almost as soon as they
presented themselves, and I preserved the independance of my heart, until I
became acquainted with a certain peer, whom I often saw at the house of Mrs.
P--, an English lady then resident at Paris. This young nobleman professed
himself deeply enamoured of me, in a stile so different from that of my other
admirers, that I heard his protestations without disgust; and though my
inclinations were still free, could not find in my heart to discountenance his
addresses, which were preferred with the most engaging modesty,
disinterestedness and respect.
    By these never-failing arts, he gradually conquered my indifference, and
gained the preference in my esteem from lord C--y and the prince of C--, who
were at that time his rivals. But what contributed (more than any consideration)
to his success, was his declaring openly, that he would marry me without
hesitation, as soon as I could obtain a divorce from my present husband, which,
in all probability, might have been easily procured; for before I left England,
lord -- had offered me five thousand pounds, if I would consent to such a mutual
release, that he might be at liberty to espouse one Miss W-- of Kent, to whom he
then made love upon honourable terms: but I was fool enough to refuse his
proposal, by the advice of S--: and whether or not his lordship finding it
impracticable to wed his new mistress, began to make love upon another footing,
I know not; but certain it is, the mother forbad him the house, a circumstance
which he took so heinously ill, that he appealed to the world in a public
advertisement, beginning with, Whereas, for some time, I have passionately loved
Miss W--, and upon my not
