ing out ten pounds, in order to save a shilling. He
inquires into the character of a servant, after he has lived two
years in his family, and is so ridiculously stocked with vanity and
self-conceit, that, notwithstanding my assurance before, and the whole
series of my conduct since our marriage, which ought to have convinced
him of my dislike, he is still persuaded, that, at bottom, I must admire
and be enamoured of his agreeable person and accomplishments, and that
I would not fail to manifest my love, were I not spirited against him
by his own relations. Perhaps it might be their interest to foment the
misunderstanding betwixt us; but really they give themselves no trouble
about our affairs; and, so far as I know them, are a very good sort of
people. On the whole, I think I may with justice pronounce my precious
yoke-fellow a trifling, teasing, insufferable, inconsistent creature.

"With the little money which remained of what I had received from
his lordship for house-keeping, I transported myself to Flanders, and
arrived in Ghent a few days after our troops were quartered in that
city, which was so much crowded with these new visitants, that I
should have found it impracticable to procure a lodging, had I not been
accommodated by Lord B--, the duke of A--'s youngest brother, who very
politely gave me up his own. Here I saw my friend Mr. B--, who
was overjoyed at my arrival, though jealous of every man of his
acquaintance; for he loved me with all the ardour of passion, and I
regarded him with all the perfection of friendship, which, had he lived,
in time might have produced love; though that was a fruit which it
never brought forth. Notwithstanding his earnest solicitations to the
contrary, I stayed but a week in Ghent, from whence I proceeded to
Brussels, and fixed my abode in the Hotel de Flandre, among an agreeable
set of gentlemen and ladies, with whom I spent my time very cheerfully.
There was a sort of court in this city, frequented by all the officers
who could obtain permission to go thither; and the place in general was
gay and agreeable. I was introduced to the best families, and very
happy in my acquaintance; for the ladies were polite, good-tempered, and
obliging, and treated me with the utmost hospitality and respect. Among
others, I contracted a friendship with Madame la comtesse de C-- and her
two daughters, who were very amiable young ladies; and became intimate
with the Princess C-- and Countess W--,