ference. He observed, that he had solicited my
favour for ten long months without intermission, and imagined I had held
out so long on virtuous motives only; but now he could plainly perceive
that his want of success had been owing to my want of affection, and
that all my professions were insincere. In a word, he persuaded me
that his remonstrances were just and reasonable. I could not see the
affliction of a man I loved, when I knew it was in my power to remove
it; and, rather than forfeit his opinion of my sincerity and love, I
consented to his wish. My heart now flutters at the remembrance of the
dear though fatal indiscretion; yet I reflect without remorse, and even
remember it with pleasure.

"If I could not avoid the censure of the world, I was resolved to bear
it without repining; and sure the guilt, if there was any in my conduct,
was but venial; for I considered myself as a person absolved of all
matrimonial ties, by the insignificance of Lord ----, who, though a
nominal husband, was in fact a mere nonentity. I therefore contracted
a new engagement with my lover, to which I resolved to adhere with the
most scrupulous fidelity, without the least intention of injuring my
lord or his relations; for, had our mutual passion produced any visible
effects, I would immediately have renounced and abandoned my husband for
ever, that the fruit of my love for Mr. S-- might not have inherited,
to the detriment of the right heir. This was my determination, which
I thought just, if not prudent; and for which I have incurred the
imputation of folly, in the opinion of this wise and honest generation,
by whose example and advice I have, since that time, been a little
reformed in point of prudentials, though I still retain a strong
tendency to return to my primitive way of thinking.

"When I quitted Mr. S--, after the sacrifice I had made, and returned to
my own bed, it may, perhaps, be supposed that I slept but little. True:
I was kept awake by the joyful impatience of revisiting my lover. Indeed
I neglected no opportunity of flying to his arms. When Lord -- was in
the country, we enjoyed each other's company without interruption;
but when he resided in town, our correspondence was limited to stolen
interviews, which were unspeakably delicious, as genuine love presided
at the entertainment.

"Such was my happiness in the course of this tender communication, that
to this day I remember it with pleasure, though it has cost me dea