e frequent opportunities of being among us; for she
had no objection against favouring the addresses of both. One evening,
I remember, we set out in my coach for the opera; and, in the way,
this inamorata was so busy with her feet, that I was incensed at her
behaviour; and, when we arrived at the place, refused to alight; but,
setting them down, declared my intention of returning home immediately.
She was so much pleased with this intimation, that she could not conceal
the joy she felt at the thoughts of conversing with him, uninterrupted
by my presence; an opportunity with which I had never favoured her
before. This open exultation increased my anger and anxiety. I went
home; but, being still tortured with the reflection of having left them
together, adjusted myself in the glass, though I was too angry to take
notice of my own figure, and without further delay returned to the
opera.

"Having inquired for the box in which they sat, I took possession of one
that fronted them, and, reconnoitring them, without being perceived, had
the satisfaction of seeing him removed to as great a distance from her
as the place would permit, and his head turned another way. Composed by
this examination, I joined them without further scruple, when my young
gentleman expressed great joy at my appearance, and told me he was
determined to have left the entertainment, and come in quest of me, had
I not returned at that instant.

"In our way homewards, my rival repeated her usual hints, and with her
large hoop almost overshadowed my lover from my view; upon which my
jealousy and wrath recurred with such violence, that I pulled the string
as a signal for the coachman to stop, with a view of getting out, and
going home afoot; a step which would have afforded a new spectacle to
the people of Paris. But I reflected in a moment upon the folly of such
a resolution, and soon recollected myself, by calling my pride to my
assistance. I determined, however, that she should act no more scenes of
this kind in my presence, and that same night insisted upon my lover's
dropping all intercourse and connection with this tormentor. He very
cheerfully complied with my desire, and was even glad of an occasion to
break off his acquaintance with a person about whom I had plagued him so
much.

"Thus was I freed from the persecution of one of those creatures,
who, though of little consequence in themselves, are yet the pests of
society, and find means to destroy t