e and
make everybody happy, I had the good fortune to succeed. Mr. B-- told
me, that before he saw me, he heard I was a fool; but finding, as he was
pleased to say, that I had been egregiously misrepresented, he courted
my friendship, and a correspondence commenced between us. Indeed, it was
impossible for any person to know him, without entertaining the utmost
esteem and veneration for his virtue.

"After I had lived some time in this agreeable retreat, my husband began
to make a bustle. He sent a message, demanding me from Lord B--; then
came in person, with his nightcap in his pocket, intending to have
stayed all night, had he been asked, and attended by a relation, whom
he assured that I was very fond of him, and detained by force from his
arms. Finding himself disappointed in his expectations, he commenced a
law-suit against Lord B--, though not for a divorce, as we desired,
but with a view to reclaim me as his lawful wife. His lawyers, however,
attempted to prove criminal conversation, in hopes of extorting money
from my lover. But their endeavours were altogether fruitless; for no
servant of Lord B--'s or mine could with justice say we were ever seen
to trespass against modesty and decorum; so that the plaintiff was
nonsuited. While this cause was depending, all my lover's friends
expressed fear and concern for the issue, while he himself behaved with
the utmost resolution, and gave me such convincing proofs of a strong
and steady affection, as augmented my gratitude, and riveted the ties of
my love, which was unblemished, faithful, and sincere.

"Soon after this event, I was seized with a violent fit of illness, in
which I was visited by my father, and attended by two physicians, one of
whom despaired of my life, and took his leave accordingly; but Dr.
S--, who was the other, persisted in his attendance, and, in all human
appearance, saved my life; a circumstance by which he acquired a great
share of reputation. Yet, notwithstanding all his assistance, I was
confined to my bed for ten weeks; during which Lord B--'s grief was
immoderate, his care and generosity unlimited. While I lay in this
extremity, Mr. S--, penetrated by my melancholy condition, which revived
his tenderness, begged leave to be admitted to my presence; and Lord B--
would have complied with his request, had I not been judged too weak to
bear the shock of such an interview. My constitution, however, agreeably
disappointed my fears; and the feve