of the house, into one of which she immediately discharged
the cause of her distemper. I was also informed that nothing contributed
so much to the recovery of her reason as music, which was always
administered on those occasions by Narcissa, who played perfectly well
on the harpsichord, and to whom she (the maid) was just then going to
intimate her aunt's disorder.

She was no sooner gone than I was summoned by the bell to my lady's
chamber, where I found her sitting squat on her hands on the floor, in
the manner of puss when she listens to the outcries of her pursuers.
When I appeared, she started up with an alarmed look, and sprang to the
other side of the room to avoid me, whom, without doubt, she mistook for
a beagle thirsting after her life. Perceiving her extreme confusion, I
retired, and on the staircase met the adorable Narcissa coming up, to
whom I imparted the situation of my mistress; she said not a word, but
smiling with unspeakable grace, went into her aunt's apartment, and in
a little time my ears were ravished with the efforts of her skill. She
accompanied the instrument with a voice so sweet and melodious, that I
did not wonder at the surprising change it produced on the spirits of my
mistress which composed to peace and sober reflection.

About seven o'clock, the hunters arrived with the skins of two foxes and
one badger, carried before them as trophies of their success; and when
they were about to sit down to dinner (or supper) Sir Timothy Thicket
desired that Narcissa would honour the table with her presence; but
this request, notwithstanding her brother's threats and entreaties, she
refused, on pretence of attending her aunt, who was indisposed; so
I enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing my rival mortified: but this
disappointment made no great impression on him, who consoled himself
with the bottle, of which the whole company became so enamoured that,
after a most horrid uproar of laughing, singing, swearing, and fighting,
they were all carried to bed in a state of utter oblivion. My duty being
altogether detached from the squire and his family, I led a pretty easy
and comfortable life, drinking daily intoxicating draughts of love from
the charms of Narcissa, which brightened on my contemplation every day
more and more. Inglorious as my station was, I became blind to my own
unworthiness, and even conceived hopes of one day enjoying this amiable
creature, whose, affability greatly encouraged these presu