t, unperused
and unopened; she only shook her muff, or pulled out her handkerchief;
as soon as ever his back was turned, his billets fell about her like
hail-stones, and whoever pleased might take them up. The duchess was
frequently a witness of this conduct, but could not find in her heart
to chide her for her want of respect to the duke. After this, the charms
and prudence of Miss Jennings were the only subjects of conversation in
the two courts: the courtiers could not comprehend how a young creature,
brought directly from the country to court, should so soon become its
ornament by her attractions, and its example by her conduct.

The king was of opinion that those who had attacked her had
ill-concerted their measures; for he thought it unnatural that she
should neither be tempted by promises, nor gained by importunity: she,
especially, who in all probability had not imbibed such severe precepts
from the prudence of her mother, who had never tasted any thing more
delicious than the plums and apricots of Saint Albans. Being resolved to
try her himself, he was particularly pleased with the great novelty that
appeared in the turn of her wit, and in the charms of her person;
and curiosity, which at first induced him to make the trial, was soon
changed into a desire of succeeding in the experiment. God knows what
might have been the consequence, for he greatly excelled in wit, and
besides he was king: two qualities of no small consideration. The
resolutions of the fair Jennings were commendable, and very judicious;
but yet she was wonderfully pleased with wit; and royal majesty
prostrate at the feet of a young person, is very persuasive. Miss
Stewart, however, would not consent to the king's project.

She immediately took the alarm, and desired his majesty to leave to the
duke, his brother, the care of tutoring the duchess's maids of honour,
and only to attend to the management of his own flock, unless his
majesty would in return allow her to listen to certain proposals of a
settlement which she did not think disadvantageous. This menace being
of a serious nature, the king obeyed; and Miss Jennings had all the
additional honour which arose from this adventure: it both added to her
reputation, and increased the number of her admirers. Thus she continued
to triumph over the liberties of others without ever losing her own: her
hour was not yet come, but it was not far distant; the particulars
of which we shall relate as soo