n her, and then she cou'd not miss of continual Happiness. The
sweet Lady took all her Promises for sterling, and kissing her Impious
Hand, humbly return'd her Thanks. Not long after they went to Dinner;
and in the Afternoon, three or four young Ladies came to visit the Right
Reverend the Lady _Beldam_; who told her new Guest, that these were all
her Relations, and no less than her own Sister's Children. The Discourse
among 'em was general and very modest, which lasted for some Hours: For,
our Sex seldom wants matter of Tattle. But, whether their Tongues were
then miraculously wearied, or that they were tir'd with one continued
Scene of Place, I won't pretend to determine: But they left the Parlour
for the Garden, where after about half an Hour's Walk, there was a very
fine Desert of Sweetmeats and Fruits brought into one of the Arbours.
_Cherbetts_, _Ros Solis_, rich and small Wines, with Tea, Chocolate,
_&c._ compleated the old Lady's Treat; the Pleasure of which was much
heighten'd by the Voices of two of her Ladyship's Sham-Nieces, who sung
very charmingly. The Dear, sweet Creature, thought she had happily got
into the Company of Angels: But (alas!) they were Angels that had fallen
more than once. She heard talk of Nunneries, and having never been out
of her own Country till within four or five Days, she had certainly
concluded she had been in one of those Religious-Houses now, had she but
heard a Bell ring, and seen 'em kneel to Prayers, and make use of their
Beads, as she had been told those happy people do. However it was, she
was extremely pleas'd with the Place and Company. So nearly do's Hell
counterfeit Heaven sometimes. At last, said one of the white Devils,
wou'd my dear _Tommy_ were here! O Sister! (cry'd another) you won't be
long without your wish: For my Husband and he went out together, and
both promis'd to be here after the Play. Is my Brother Sir _Francis_
with him there? (ask'd the first) yes, (answer'd the third) Sir _Thomas_
and Sir _Francis_ took Coach from St. _James's_, about two Hours since:
We shall be excellent Company when they come, (said a fourth); I hope
they'll bring the Fiddlers with 'em, added the first: Don't you love
Musick, Madam? (ask'd the old Lady _Beldam_) Sometimes, Madam, (reply'd
_Philadelphia_) but now I am out o'tune myself. A little harmless Mirth
will chear your drooping Spirits, my dear, (return'd t'other, taking her
by the Hand) come! These are all my Relations, as I told