e reply'd, that her Father and Mother were both
dead; and that she had escap'd from her Uncle, under the pretence of
making a Visit to a young Lady, her Cousin, who was lately married, and
liv'd above twenty Miles from her Uncle's, in the Road to _London_, and
that the Cause of her quitting the Country, was to avoid the hated
Importunities of a Gentleman, whose pretended Love to her she fear'd had
been her eternal Ruin. At which she wept and sigh'd most extravagantly.
The discreet Gentlewoman endeavour'd to comfort her by all the softest
and most powerful Arguments in her Capacity; promising her all the
friendly Assistance that she could expect from her, during _Bellamora's_
stay in Town: which she did with so much Earnestness, and visible
Integrity, that the pretty innocent Creature was going to make her a
full and real Discovery of her imaginary insupportable Misfortunes; and
(doubtless) had done it, had she not been prevented by the Return of the
Lady, whom she hop'd to have found her Cousin _Brightly_. The Gentleman,
her Husband just saw her within Doors, and order'd the Coach to drive to
some of his Bottle-Companions; which gave the Women the better
Opportunity of entertaining one another, which happen'd to be with some
Surprize on all Sides. As the Lady was going up into her Apartment, the
Gentlewoman of the House told her there was a young Lady in the Parlour,
who came out of the Country that very Day on purpose to visit her: The
Lady stept immediately to see who it was, and _Bellamora_ approaching to
receive her hop'd-for Cousin, stop'd on the sudden just as she came to
her; and sigh'd out aloud, Ah, Madam! I am lost--It is not your Ladyship
I seek. No, Madam (return'd the other) I am apt to think you did not
intend me this Honour. But you are as welcome to me, as you could be to
the dearest of your Acquaintance: Have you forgot me, Madame
_Bellamora_? (continued she.) That Name startled the other: However, it
was with a kind of Joy. Alas! Madam, (replied the young one) I now
remember that I have been so happy to have seen you; but where and when,
my Memory can't tell me. 'Tis indeed some Years since, (return'd the
Lady) But of that another time.--Mean while, if you are unprovided of a
Lodging, I dare undertake, you shall be welcome to this Gentlewoman. The
Unfortunate returned her Thanks; and whilst a Chamber was preparing for
her, the Lady entertain'd her in her own. About Ten o'Clock they parted,
_Bellamora_ be