; »and though I have the greatest Regard for you, Madam, in the
World,« said she, »yet I think myself in Honour obliged not to impose on his
Lordship, who, I know very well, hath conceived his greatest Liking to the
Captain, on my telling him that he was the best Husband in the World.«
    Amelia's Fears gave her much Disturbance, and when her Husband returned, she
acquainted him with them; upon which Occasion, as it was natural, she resumed a
little the Topic of their former Discourse, nor could she help casting, tho' in
very gentle Terms, some slight Blame on Booth, for having entertained a
Suspicion, which she said, might in its Consequence very possibly prove their
Ruin, and occasion the Loss of his Lordship's Friendship.
    Booth became highly affected with what his Wife said, and the more as he had
just received a Note from Colonel James, informing him that the Colonel had
heard of a vacant Company in the Regiment which Booth had mentioned to him, and
that he had been with his Lordship about it, who had promised to use his utmost
Interest to obtain him the Command.
    The poor Man now exprest the utmost Concern for his Yesterday's Behaviour,
said, »he believed the Devil had taken Possession of him,« and concluded with
crying out, »sure I was born, my dearest Creature, to be your Torment.«
    Amelia no sooner saw her Husband's Distress, than she instantly forebore
whatever might seem likely to aggravate it, and applied herself with all her
Power to comfort him. »If you will give me leave to offer my Advice, my dearest
Soul,« said she, »I think all might yet be remedied. I think you know me too
well, to suspect that the Desire of Diversion should induce me to mention, what
I am now going to propose. And in that Confidence, I will ask you to let me
accept my Lord's and Mrs. Ellison's Offer, and go to the Masquerade. No matter
how little while I stay there: if you desire it, I will not be an Hour from you.
I can make a hundred Excuses to come home, or tell a real Truth, and say I am
tired with the Place. The bare going will cure every Thing.«
    Amelia had no sooner done speaking, than Booth immediately approved her
Advice, and readily gave his Consent. He could not however help saying, »that
the shorter her Stay was there, the more agreeable it would
