en she had read this letter, till
her fat sides shook. Said she, I can but think how the poor parson
looked, after parting with his pretty mistress in such high spirits,
when he found himself at the bottom of the dam! And what a figure he
must cut in his tattered band and cassock, and without a hat and wig,
when he got home. I warrant, added she, he was in a sweet pickle!--I
said, I thought it was very barbarous to laugh at such a misfortune; but
she replied, As he was safe, she laughed; otherwise she would have
been sorry: and she was glad to see me so concerned for him--It looked
promising, she said.

I heeded not her reflections; but as I have been used to causes for
mistrusts, I cannot help saying, that I don't like this thing: And their
taking his letters most alarms me.--How happy it was they missed my
packet! I knew not what to think of it!--But why should I let every
accident break my peace? Yet it will do so, while I stay here.

Mrs. Jewkes is mightily at me, to go with her in the chariot, to visit
Mr. Williams. She is so officious to bring on the affair between us,
that, being a cunning, artful woman, I know not what to make of it: I
have refused her absolutely; urging, that except I intended to encourage
his suit, I ought not to do it. And she is gone without me.

I have strange temptations to get away in her absence, for all these
fine appearances. 'Tis sad to have nobody to advise with!--I know not
what to do. But, alas for me! I have no money, if I should, to buy any
body's civilities, or to pay for necessaries or lodgings. But I'll go
into the garden, and resolve afterwards----

I have been in the garden, and to the back-door: and there I stood, my
heart up at my mouth. I could not see I was watched; so this looks
well. But if any thing should go bad afterwards, I should never forgive
myself, for not taking this opportunity. Well, I will go down again,
and see if all is clear, and how it looks out at the back-door in the
pasture.

To be sure, there is witchcraft in this house; and I believe Lucifer is
bribed, as well as all about me, and is got into the shape of that nasty
grim bull to watch me!--For I have been again, and ventured to open the
door, and went out about a bow-shot into the pasture; but there stood
that horrid bull, staring me full in the face, with fiery saucer eyes,
as I thought. So I got in again, for fear he should come at me. Nobody
saw me, however.--Do you think there are such