une; and very frankly declared, that I would rather give myself to a
footman, than sell myself to a prince.

"Supper being served, we sat down together; but I would neither eat
nor drink anything, except a little bread and water; for I was an odd
whimsical girl, and it came into my head, that he might perhaps have
mixed something in the victuals or wine, which would alter my way of
thinking. In short, finding himself baffled in all his endeavours, he
permitted me about twelve o'clock to depart in peace, and gave up his
suit as a desperate cause.

"This uncomfortable life did I lead for a whole twelvemonth, without
feeling the least abatement of my melancholy. Finding myself worn to a
skeleton, I resumed my former resolution of trying to profit by change
of place, and actually went abroad, with no other attendant than my
woman, and the utmost indifference for life. My intention was to have
gone to the south of France, where I thought I could have subsisted on
the little I had left, which amounted to five hundred pounds, until the
issue of my law-suit, by which I hoped to obtain some provision from my
lord; and, without all doubt, my expectation would have been answered,
had I put this my plan in execution; but, being at Paris, from whence
I proposed to set forward in a few days, I sent to M. K--, who had been
formerly intimate with my father, and shown me many civilities during my
first residence in France.

"This gentleman favoured me with a visit, and, when I made him
acquainted with my scheme, dissuaded me from it, as an uncomfortable
determination. He advised me to stay at Paris, where, with good economy,
I could live as cheap as in any other place, and enjoy the conversation
and countenance of my friends, among which number he declared himself
one of the most faithful. He assured me, that I should be always welcome
to his table, and want for nothing. He promised to recommend me as a
lodger to a friend of his, with whom I would live in a frugal and decent
manner; and observed, that, as the woman was well known and esteemed by
all the English company in Paris, it would be the most reputable step
I could take, considering my youth and situation, to lodge with a
creditable person, who could answer for my conduct. Thus persuaded, I
very simply followed his advice; I say simply, because, notwithstanding
his representations, I soon found my money melt away, without any
prospect of a fresh supply. In lieu of this, however