 of conveniences; every thing was new, and therefore pleasing, and the
whole absolutely at my command. I had the company of a relation, a very good
woman, with whom I lived in the most amicable manner; was visited by the best
people in town (I mean those of the male sex, the ladies having long ago
forsaken me;) I frequented all reputable places of publick entertainment, and
had a concert at home once a week: so that my days rolled on in happiness and
quiet, till all my sweets were imbittered by the vexatious behaviour of my
husband, who began to importune me again to live with him; and by the increasing
anxiety of lord B-, who (tho' I still admitted his visits) plainly perceived
that I wanted to relinquish his correspondence. This discovery raised such
tempests of jealousy and despair within his breast, that he kept me in continual
alarms: he sent messages to me every hour, signed his letters with his own
blood, raved like a man in an ecstasy of madness, railed at my ingratitude, and
praised my conduct, by turns; offered to sacrifice every thing for my love, to
leave the kingdom forthwith, and live with me for ever in any part of the world
where I should choose to reside.
    These were generous and tempting proposals; but I was beset with counsellors
who were not totally disinterested, and who dissuaded me from embracing the
proffers of my lover, on pretence that lord -- would be highly injured by my
compliance. I listened to their advice, and hardened my heart against lord B-'s
sorrow and solicitations. My behaviour on this occasion is altogether
unaccountable; this was the only time that ever I was a slave to admonition. The
condition of lord B- would have melted any heart but mine, and yet mine was one
of the most sensible: he employed his cousin as an advocate with me, till that
gentleman actually refused the office, telling him candidly, that his own
inclinations were too much engaged, to permit him to perform the task with
fidelity and truth. He accordingly resolved to avoid my presence, until my lord
and I should come to some final determination, which was greatly retarded by the
perseverance of his lordship, who would not resign his hopes even when I
pretended that another man had engaged my heart, but said, that in time my
affection might return.
    Our correspondence, however, gradually wore off; upon which Mr. B- renewed
his visits, and many agreeable and happy hours we passed together. Not that he,
or any other person
