 though my
pride, for some time, enabled me to conceal my uneasiness; till at length her
behaviour became so arrogant and gross, that I could no longer suppress my
indignation, and one day told my lover, that I would immediately renounce his
correspondence.
    He was greatly alarmed at this unexpected declaration; and when he
understood the cause of it, assured me, that for the future he would never
exchange one word with her. Satisfied with this mark of his sincerity and
regard, I released him from this promise, which he could not possibly keep,
while she and I lived upon any terms; and we continued to visit each other as
usual, though she still persisted in her endeavours to rival me in his
affection, and contracted an intimacy with his companion, who seemed to
entertain a passion for her, that she might have the more frequent opportunities
of being among us; for she had no objection against favouring the addresses of
both. One evening, I remember, we set out in my coach for the opera; and in the
way, this inamorata was so busy with her feet, that I was incensed at her
behaviour; and when we arrived at the place, refused to alight; but, setting
them down, declared my intention of returning home immediately. She was so much
pleased with this intimation, that she could not conceal the joy she felt at the
thoughts of conversing with him, uninterrupted by my presence; an opportunity
with which I had never favoured her before. This open exultation increased my
anger and anxiety: I went home; but, being still tortured with the reflection of
having left them together, adjusted myself in the glass, though I was too angry
to take notice of my own figure, and without farther delay returned to the
opera.
    Having inquired for the box in which they sat, I took possession of one that
fronted them, and reconnoitring them, without being perceived, had the
satisfaction of seeing him removed to as great a distance from her as the place
would permit, and his head turned another way. Composed by this examination, I
joined them without further scruple, when my young gentleman expressed great joy
at my appearance, and told me he was determined to have left the entertainment,
and come in quest of me, had not I returned at that instant.
    In our way homewards, my rival repeated her usual hints, and with her large
hoop almost overshadowed my lover from my view: upon which my jealousy and wrath
recurred with such violence, that I pulled the string, as a signal for the
coachman to stop, with
