ind me in such a dangerous
condition. However, having considered my case, he perceived that
my indisposition proceeded from the calamities I had undergone, and
encouraged me with the hope of a speedy cure, provided I could be kept
easy and undisturbed. I was accordingly attended with all imaginable
care; my lord's name being never mentioned in my hearing, because I
considered him as the fatal source of all my misfortunes; and in a month
I recovered my health, by the great skill and tenderness of my
doctor, who now finding me strong enough to encounter fresh troubles,
endeavoured to persuade me, that it would be my wisest step to return
to my husband, whom at that time he had often occasion to see. But I
rejected his proposal, commencing a new lawsuit for separation, and took
a small house in St. James's-square.

"About this time my woman returned from Brussels, but without my
clothes, which were detained on account of the money I owed in that
place; and, asking her dismission from my service, set up shop for
herself. I had not lived many weeks in my new habitation, when my
persecutor renewed his attempts to make himself master of my person;
but I had learned from experience to redouble my vigilance, and he was
frustrated in all his endeavours. I was again happy in the conversation
of my former acquaintance, and visited by a great number of gentlemen,
mostly persons of probity and sense, who cultivated my friendship,
without any other motive of attachment. Not that I was unsolicited on
the article of love. That was a theme on which I never wanted orators;
and could I have prevailed upon myself to profit by the advances that
were made, I might have managed my opportunities so as to have set
fortune at defiance for the future. But I was none of these economists
who can sacrifice their hearts to interested considerations.

"One evening, while I was conversing with three or four of my friends,
my lawyer came in, and told me he had something of consequence to
impart; upon which all the gentlemen but one went away. Then he gave me
to understand, that my suit would immediately come to trial; and, though
he hoped the best, the issue was uncertain. That, if it should be given
against me, the decision would inspire my lord with fresh spirits to
disturb my peace, and, therefore, it would be convenient for me to
retire, until the affair should be brought to a determination.

"I was very much disconcerted at this intelligence; and