lady of the bedchamber to the
queen of Hungary, and a great favourite of the governor, Monsieur d'H--,
in whose house she lived with his wife, who was also a lady of a very
engaging disposition.

"Soon after I had fixed my habitation in Brussels, the company at our
hotel was increased by three officers, who professed themselves my
admirers, and came from Ghent, with a view of soliciting my love. This
triumvirate consisted of the Scotch earl of --, Lord R-M--, and another
young officer. The first was a man of a very genteel figure and amorous
complexion, danced well, and had a great deal of good-humour, with a
mixture of vanity and self-conceit. The second had a good face, though
a clumsy person, and a very sweet disposition, very much adapted for the
sentimental passion of love. And the third, Mr. W-- by name, was tall,
thin, and well-bred, with a great stock of good-nature and vivacity.
These adventurers began their addresses in general acts of gallantry,
that comprehended several of my female friends, with whom we used to
engage in parties of pleasure, both in the city and the environs,
which are extremely agreeable. When they thought they had taken the
preliminary steps of securing themselves in my good opinion and esteem,
they agreed to go on without further delay, and that Lord -- should make
the first attack upon my heart.

"He accordingly laid siege to me, with such warmth and assiduity, that I
believe he deceived himself, and began to think he was actually in love;
though, at bottom, he felt no impulse that deserved the sacred name.
Though I discouraged him in the beginning, he persecuted me with his
addresses; he always sat by me at dinner, and imparted a thousand
trifles in continual whispers, which attracted the notice of the company
so much, that I began to fear his behaviour would give rise to some
report to my prejudice, and therefore avoided him with the utmost
caution. Notwithstanding all my care, however, he found means one night,
while my maid, who lay in my room, went downstairs, to get into my
chamber after I was abed. Upon which, I started up, and told him, that,
if he should approach me, I would alarm the house; for I never wanted
courage and resolution. Perceiving my displeasure, he kneeled by the
bedside, begged I would have pity on his sufferings, and swore I
should have carte blanche to the utmost extent of his fortune. To these
proposals I made no other reply, but that of protesting I would