"The duchess of --, who was newly married to the earl of P--, a
particular friend of Lord W--'s, carried me to court, and presented
me to the queen, who expressed her approbation of my person in very
particular terms, and, observing the satisfaction that appeared in
my countenance, with marks of admiration, desired her ladies to take
notice, how little happiness depended upon wealth, since there was more
joy in my face than in all her court besides.

"Such a declaration could not fail to overwhelm me with blushes, which
her Majesty seemed to behold with pleasure; for she frequently repeated
the remark, and showed me to all the foreigners of distinction, with
many gracious expressions of favour. She wished Lord W-- happiness
instead of joy, and was pleased to promise, that she would provide for
her pretty beggars. And poor enough we certainly were in every article
but love. Nevertheless, we felt no necessities, but passed the summer
in a variety of pleasures and parties; the greatest part of which were
planned by Lord W--'s sister and another lady, who was at that time
mistress to the prime minister. The first was a wit, but homely in
person; the other a woman of great beauty and masculine understanding;
and a particular friendship subsisted between them, though they were
both lovers of power and admiration.

"This lady, who sat at the helm, was extremely elegant, as well
as expensive in her diversions, in many of which we bore a share,
particularly in her parties upon the water, which were contrived in all
the magnificence of taste. In the course of these amusements, a trifling
circumstance occurred, which I shall relate as an instance of that
jealous sensibility which characterised Lord W--'s disposition. A large
company of ladies and gentlemen having agreed to dine at Vauxhall, and
sup at Marble-hall, where we proposed to conclude the evening with a
dance, one barge being insufficient to contain the whole company, we
were divided by lots; in consequence of which, my husband and I were
parted. This separation was equally mortifying to us both, who, though
married, were still lovers; and my chagrin increased when I perceived
that I was doomed to sit by Sir W. Y--, a man of professed gallantry;
for, although Lord W-- had, before his marriage, made his addresses to
every woman he saw, I knew very well he did not desire that any person
should make love to his wife.

"That I might not, therefore, give umbrage, by talk