, I was almost suffocated with the steams
of Geneva! An exhalation of this kind, from a mouth which had just
before declared an utter abhorrence of all spirituous liquors, not only
changed my doubts into certainty, but my raptures into loathing; and it
would have been impossible for me to have preserved common complaisance
five minutes longer, when my servant returned with a coach. I took the
advantage of this occasion, and presented my hand to the lady, who
put in practice against me the whole artillery of her charms, ogling,
languishing, sighing, and squeezing, with so little reserve that Strap
perceived her tenderness, and rubbed his hands with joy as he followed
us to the door; but I was proof against all her endearments, and handed
her into the coach with an intention to take my leave immediately. She
guessed my design, and invited me to her house, whispering, that now Sir
John was gone to bed, she could have the pleasure of my conversation for
half-an-hour without interruption. I told her there was no mortification
I would not undergo, rather than endanger the repose of her ladyship;
and, bidding the coachman drive on, wished her a good night. She lost
all temper at my indifference, and, stopping the coach, at the distance
of about twenty yards from me, popped out her head, and howled with the
lungs of a fishwoman, "D--n you, you dog, won't you pay the coach-hire?"
As I made no answer, she held forth against me with an eloquence
peculiar to herself; calling me pitifull fellow, scoundrel, and a
hundred such appellations; concluding with an oath, that, for all my
appearance, she believed I had got no money in my pocket.

Having thus vented her indignation, she ordered her coachman to proceed,
and I returned to the tavern, where I bespoke something for supper,
very well pleased at the issue of this adventure. I dispensed with the
attendance of the waiter at table, on pretence that my own servant
was present, and, when we were alone, said to Strap, "Well, Monsieur
d'Estrapes, what d'ye think of this lady?" My friend, who had not
opened his mouth since her departure, could make no other reply than
the monosyllable "Think!" which he pronounced with a note of fear and
astonishment. Surprised at this emphasis, I surveyed my valet,
and, perceiving a wildness in his looks, asked if he had seen his
grandfather's ghost? "Ghost!" said he, "I am sure I have seen a devil
incarnate! Who would have thought that so much devilish mal