me at Edgware expecting to dinner with me several
friends, whom I had invited three days before. I sent apologies to them,
as in a case of life and death; and speeded to town to the
woman's: for how knew I but shocking attempts might be made upon her by
the cursed wretches: perhaps by your connivance, in order to mortify her
into your measures?

Little knows the public what villanies are committed by vile wretches, in
these abominable houses upon innocent creatures drawn into their snares.

Finding the lady not there, I posted away to the officer's, although
Sally told me that she had but just come from thence; and that she had
refused to see her, or (as she sent down word) any body else; being
resolved to have the remainder of that Sunday to herself, as it might,
perhaps, be the last she should ever see.

I had the same thing told me, when I got thither.

I sent up to let her know, that I came with a commission to set her at
liberty. I was afraid of sending up the name of a man known to be your
friend. She absolutely refused to see any man, however, for that day, or
to answer further to any thing said from me.

Having therefore informed myself of all that the officer, and his wife,
and servant, could acquaint me with, as well in relation to the horrid
arrest, as to her behaviour, and the women's to her; and her ill state of
health; I went back to Sinclair's, as I will still call her, and heard
the three women's story. From all which I am enabled to give you the
following shocking particulars: which may serve till I can see the
unhappy lady herself to-morrow, if then I gain admittance to her. You
will find that I have been very minute in my inquiries.

Your villain it was that set the poor lady, and had the impudence to
appear, and abet the sheriff's officers in the cursed transaction. He
thought, no doubt, that he was doing the most acceptable service to his
blessed master. They had got a chair; the head ready up, as soon as
service was over. And as she came out of the church, at the door
fronting Bedford-street, the officers, stepping up to her, whispered that
they had an action against her.

She was terrified, trembled, and turned pale.

Action, said she! What is that!----I have committed no bad action!----
Lord bless me! men, what mean you?

That you are our prisoner, Madam.

Prisoner, Sirs!--What--How--Why--What have I done?

You must go with us. Be pleased, Madam, to step into this chair.