the energy of the
expression, she asked the meaning of the French word marcassin. As there
are no wild boars in England, those to whom she addressed herself, told
her that it signified a young pig. This scandalous simile confirmed her
in the belief she entertained of his perfidy. Brisacier, more amazed at
her change, than she was offended at his supposed calumny, looked upon
her as a woman still more capricious than insignificant, and never
troubled himself more about her; but Sir Yarborough, of as fair a
complexion as herself, made her an offer of marriage in the height of
her resentment, and was accepted: chance made up this match, I suppose,
as an experiment to try what such a white-haired union would produce.

Miss Price was witty; and as her person was not very likely to attract
many admirers, which, however, she was resolved to have, she was far
from being coy when an occasion offered: she did not so much as make
any terms: she was violent in her resentments, as well as in her
attachments, which had exposed her to some inconveniences; and she
had very indiscreetly quarrelled with a young girl whom Lord Rochester
admired. This connection, which till then had been a secret, she had the
imprudence to publish to the whole world, and thereby drew upon herself
the most dangerous enemy in the universe: never did any man write with
more ease, humour, spirit, and delicacy; but he was at the same time the
most severe satirist.

Poor Miss Price, who had thus voluntarily provoked his resentment, was
daily exposed in some new shape: there was every day some new song or
other, the subject of which was her conduct, and the burden her name.
How was it possible for her to bear up against these attacks, in a
court, where every person was eager to obtain the most insignificant
trifle that came from the pen of Lord Rochester? The loss of her lover,
and the discovery that attended it, was only wanting to complete the
persecution that was raised against her.

About this time died Dongan, a gentleman of merit, who was succeeded by
Durfort, afterwards Earl of Feversham, in the post of lieutenant of
the duke's life guards. Miss Price having tenderly loved him, his death
plunged her into a gulf of despair; but the inventory of his effects had
almost deprived her of her senses: there was in it a certain little
box sealed up on all sides: it was addressed in the deceased's own
handwriting to Miss Price; but instead of receiving it, she had