ood, raved like a man in ecstasy of madness,
railed at my ingratitude, and praised my conduct by turns. He offered
to sacrifice everything for my love, to leave the kingdom forthwith, and
live with me for ever in any part of the world where I should choose to
reside.

"These were generous and tempting proposals; but I was beset with
counsellors who were not totally disinterested, and who dissuaded me
from embracing the proffers of my lover, on pretence that Lord -- would
be highly injured by my compliance. I listened to their advice, and
hardened my heart against Lord B--'s sorrow and solicitations. My
behaviour on this occasion is altogether unaccountable; this was the
only time that ever I was a slave to admonition. The condition of Lord
B-- would have melted any heart but mine, and yet mine was one of the
most sensible. He employed his cousin as an advocate with me, till that
gentleman actually refused the office, telling him candidly, that his
own inclinations were too much engaged to permit him to perform the task
with fidelity and truth. He accordingly resolved to avoid my presence,
until my lord and I should come to some final determination, which was
greatly retarded by the perseverance of his lordship, who would not
resign his hopes, even when I pretended that another man had engaged my
heart, but said, that in time my affection might return.

"Our correspondence, however, gradually wore off; upon which Mr.
B-- renewed his visits, and many agreeable and happy hours we passed
together. Not that he, or any other person whom I now saw, succeeded to
the privilege of a fortunate lover; I knew he loved me to madness; but
I would not gratify his passion any other way than by the most profound
esteem and veneration for his virtues, which were altogether amiable and
sublime; and I would here draw his character minutely, but it would
take up too much time to set forth his merit; the only, man living of
my acquaintance who resembles him, is Lord F--, of whom I shall speak in
the sequel.

"About this time I underwent a very interesting change in the situation
of my heart. I had sent a message to my old lover S--, desiring he would
allow my picture, which was in his possession, to be copied; and he
now transmitted it to me by my lawyer, whom he directed to ask, if I
intended to be at the next masquerade. This curiosity had a strange
effect upon my spirits; my heart fluttered at the question, and my
imagination glowed wit