him that I was of a different opinion; that it was not
only just, but expedient, that a young man of Mr. --'s fortune should
think of making some alliance to strengthen and support the interest of
his family; and that I had nothing to accuse him of but his letting
me remain so long in ignorance of his intention. He then gave me to
understand, that I was still ignorant of a great part of the ill-usage I
had received; affirming, that, while I lived in his house, he had amused
himself with all the common women in that town, to some of whom this
gentleman had personally introduced him.

"At first, I could not believe this imputation; but he supported his
assertion with so many convincing circumstances, that I could no longer
doubt the truth of them; and I felt so much resentment, that my love
vanished immediately into air. Instead of proceeding on my journey to
London, I went back a considerable way, and sent a message desiring to
see him in a little house, about midway between his own habitation and
the town from whence I came. He obeyed my summons, and appeared at
the place appointed, where I reproached him with great bitterness.
He pleaded guilty to the charge, so far as acknowledging that he had
corresponded with other women lately, in order to get the better of his
affection for me, but the experiment had failed, and he found that he
should be for ever miserable.

"I did not look upon this candid confession as a sufficient atonement
for his past dissimulation, and, in the sharpness of my revenge,
demanded a settlement, which he peremptorily refused; so that for the
present we held each other in the utmost contempt. Indeed, I afterwards
despised myself for my condescension, which was owing to the advice
of my companion, supported and inflamed by the spirit of resentment.
Nevertheless, he begged that I would return to his house, or stay all
night where I was; but I was deaf to his entreaties, and, after a great
deal of ironical civility on my side, I took my leave, and went away;
yet, before I set out, I looked back, and saw him on horseback, with
such an air of simplicity and truth, as called up a profound sigh,
notwithstanding all that had passed in our conversation.

"Upon my arrival in London, I took lodgings in Leicester-fields, and
answered a letter which I had some months before received from my lord,
telling him that I would go home to him, without stipulating for any
terms, to try what effect my confidence wou