after the first salutation, asked whether or
not my intercourse with S-- was at an end, and if I had any allowance
from my husband. To the first of these questions I replied in the
affirmative; and to the last answered, that my lord did not allow me a
great deal; indeed, I might have truly said nothing at all; but I was
too proud to own my indigence. He then expressed his wonder, how one
like me, who had been used to splendour and affluence from my cradle,
could make shift to live in my present narrow circumstances; and, when I
told him that I could make a very good shift, so I had peace, he seemed
to lament my situation, and very kindly invited me to sup with his wife
at his house. I accepted the invitation, without any apprehension of
the consequence; and, when I went to the place, was introduced into an
apartment magnificently lighted up, I suppose, for my reception.

"After I had stayed alone for some time in this mysterious situation,
without seeing a living soul, my inviter appeared, and said, he hoped
I would not take it amiss that he and I were to sup by ourselves, as he
had something to say, which could not be so properly communicated before
company or servants. I then, for the first time, perceived his drift,
to my no small surprise and indignation; and, with evident marks of
displeasure, told him, I was sure he had nothing to propose that would
be agreeable to my inclination, and that I would immediately leave the
house. Upon which he gave me to understand, that I could not possibly
retire, because he had sent away my chair, and all his servants were
disposed to obey his orders.

"Incensed at this declaration, which I considered as an insult, I
answered, with an air of resolution, it was very well; I despised his
contrivance, and was afraid of nothing. Seeing me thus alarmed, he
assured me I had no reason to be afraid; that he had loved me long, and
could find no other opportunity of declaring his passion. He said the
Q-- had told him that Lord -- had renewed his addresses to me; and,
as he understood from my own mouth, my correspondence with S-- was
absolutely broke off, he thought himself as well entitled as another to
my regard. In conclusion, he told me that I might command his purse, and
that he had power enough to bring me into the world again with eclat. To
these advances I replied, that he was very much mistaken in his opinion
of my character, if he imagined I was to be won by any temptations of
fort