ountry House, in order to go in search of this promis'd Game; So that
_Villenoys_ got about a Week's Provision, of what Necessaries he thought
he should want in that time; and taking only his _Valet_, who lov'd the
Sport, he left _Isabella_ for a Week to her Devotion, and her other
innocent Diversions of fine Work, at which she was Excellent, and left
the Town to go meet this young Challenger.

When _Villenoys_ was at any time out, it was the custom of _Isabella_ to
retire to her Chamber, and to receive no Visits, not even the Ladies, so
absolutely she devoted her self to her Husband: All the first day she
pass'd over in this manner, and Evening being come, she order'd her
Supper to be brought to her Chamber, and, because it was Washing-day the
next day, she order'd all her Maids to go very early to Bed, that they
might be up betimes, and to leave only _Maria_ to attend her; which was
accordingly done. This _Maria_ was a young Maid, that was very discreet,
and, of all things in the World, lov'd her Lady, whom she had liv'd
with, ever since she came from the _Monastery_.

When all were in Bed, and the little light Supper just carry'd up to the
Lady, and only, as I said, _Maria_ attending, some body knock'd at the
Gate, it being about Nine of the Clock at Night; so _Maria_ snatching up
a Candle, went to the Gate, to see who it might be; when she open'd the
Door, she found a Man in a very odd Habit, and a worse Countenance, and
asking, Who he would speak with? He told her, Her Lady: My Lady (reply'd
_Maria_) does not use to receive Visits at this hour; Pray, what is your
Business? He reply'd, That which I will deliver only to your Lady, and
that she may give me Admittance, pray, deliver her this Ring: And
pulling off a small Ring, with _Isabella's_ Name and Hair in it, he gave
it _Maria_, who, shutting the Gate upon him, went in with the Ring; as
soon as _Isabella_ saw it, she was ready to swound on the Chair where
she sate, and cry'd, Where had you this? _Maria_ reply'd, An old rusty
Fellow at the Gate gave it me, and desired, it might be his Pasport to
you; I ask'd his Name, but he said, You knew him not, but he had great
News to tell you. _Isabella_ reply'd, (almost swounding again) Oh,
_Maria!_ I am ruin'd. The Maid, all this while, knew not what she meant,
nor, that that was a Ring given to _Henault_ by her Mistress, but
endeavouring to recover her, only ask'd her, What she should say to the
old Messenger? _Isabella_