r five present) were
most deplorably off in his company; and one grave gentleman observed to
me, (pleased to see me shun him as I did,) that the poet's observation
was too true, that the generality of ladies were rakes in their hearts,
or they could not be so much taken with a man who had so notorious a
character.

I told him the reflection both of the poet and applier was much too
general, and made with more ill-nature than good manners.

When the wretch saw how industriously I avoided him, (shifting from one
part of the hall to another,) he at last boldly stept up to me, as my
mother and Mr. Hickman were talking to me; and thus before them accosted
me:

I beg your pardon, Madam; but by your mother's leave, I must have a few
moments' conversation with you, either here, or at your own house; and I
beg you will give me the opportunity.

Nancy, said my mother, hear what he has to say to you. In my presence
you may: and better in the adjoining apartment, if it must be, than to
come to you at our own house.

I retired to one corner of the hall, my mother following me, and he,
taking Mr. Hickman under his arm, following her--Well, Sir, said I, what
have you to say?--Tell me here.

I have been telling Mr. Hickman, said he, how much I am concerned for the
injuries I have done to the most excellent woman in the world: and yet,
that she obtained such a glorious triumph over me the last time I had the
honour to see her, as, with my penitence, ought to have abated her former
resentments: but that I will, with all my soul, enter into any measures
to obtain her forgiveness of me. My cousins Montague have told you this.
Lady Betty and Lady Sarah and my Lord M. are engaged for my honour. I
know your power with the dear creature. My cousins told me you gave them
hopes you would use it in my behalf. My Lord M. and his two sisters are
impatiently expecting the fruits of it. You must have heard from her
before now: I hope you have. And will you be so good as to tell me, if I
may have any hopes?

If I must speak on this subject, let me tell you that you have broken her
heart. You know not the value of the lady you have injured. You deserve
her not. And she despises you, as she ought.

Dear Miss Howe, mingle not passion with denunciations so severe. I must
know my fate. I will go abroad once more, if I find her absolutely
irreconcileable. But I hope she will give me leave to attend upon her,
to know my doom from her o