 my misfortunes; and in a month I recovered my health, by the great skill and
tenderness of my doctor, who now finding me strong enough to encounter fresh
troubles, endeavoured to persuade me, that it would be my wisest step to return
to my husband, whom, at that time, he had often occasion to see. But I rejected
his proposal, commenced a new lawsuit for separation, and took a small house in
St. James's Square.
    About this time, my woman returned from Brussels, but without my cloaths,
which were detained on account of the money I owed in that place; and asking her
dismission from my service, set up shop for herself. I had not lived many weeks
in my new habitation, when my persecutor renewed his attempts to make himself
master of my person; but I had learn'd from experience, to redouble my
vigilance, and he was frustrated in all his endeavours. I was again happy in the
conversation of my former acquaintance, and visited by a great number of
gentlemen, mostly persons of probity and sense, who cultivated my friendship,
without any other motive of attachment. Not that I was unsolicited on the
article of love; that was a theme on which I never wanted orators; and could I
have prevailed upon myself to profit by the advances that were made, I might
have managed my opportunities, so as to have set fortune at defiance for the
future. But I was none of those oeconomists, who can sacrifice their hearts to
interested considerations.
    One evening, while I was conversing with three or four of my friends, my
lawyer came in, and told me he had something of consequence to impart: upon
which, all the gentlemen but one went away; and he gave me to understand, that
my suit would immediately come to trial; and though he hoped the best, the issue
was uncertain: that if it should be given against me, the decision would inspire
my lord with fresh spirits to disturb my peace; and therefore it would be
convenient for me to retire, until the affair should be brought to a
determination.
    I was very much disconcerted at this intelligence; and the gentleman who
stayed perceiving my concern, asked what I intended to do, or if he could serve
me in any shape, and desired to know whither I proposed to retreat. I affected
to laugh, and answered, »To a garret I believe.« To this over-strained raillery
he replied, that if I should, his friendship and regard would find the way to my
apartment; and I had no
