nted a billet to me without a subscription,
importing that my presence was disagreeable to the company, and desiring
I would take the hint without further disturbance, and bestow myself
elsewhere for the future. This peremptory message filled me with
indignation. I followed the fellow who delivered it, and, seizing him
by the collar in presence of all the company, threatened to put him
instantly to death, if he did not discover the scoundrel who had charged
him with such an impudent commission, that I might punish him as he
deserved. The messenger, affrighted at my menaces and furious looks,
fell upon his knees, and told me, that the gentleman who ordered him to
deliver the letter was no other than Narcissa's brother, who, at that
time, stood at the other end of the room, talking to Melinda. I went up
to him immediately, and in the hearing of his inamorata, accosted him
in these words; "Lookee, squire, were it not for one consideration that
protects you from my resentment, I would cane you where you stand, for
having had the presumption to send me this scurrilous intimation;" which
I tore to pieces and threw in his face: at the same time darting an
angry regard at his mistress, I told her, I was sorry she had put it out
of my power to compliment her upon her invention, but at the expense of
her good nature and veracity. Her admirer, whose courage never rose,
but in proportion to the wine he had swallowed, instead of resenting my
address in what is called an honourable way, threatened to prosecute me
for an assault, and took witnesses accordingly: while she, piqued at
his pusillanimous behaviour, and enraged at the sarcasm I had uttered
against her, endeavoured to make her quarrel a public cause, and wept
aloud with spite and vexation.

The tears of a lady could not fail of attracting the notice and concern
of the spectators to whom she complained of my rudeness with great
bitterness, saying, if she were a man, I durst not use her so. The
greatest part of the gentlemen, already prejudiced against me, were
offended at the liberty I had taken, as appeared from their looks;
though none of them signified their disgust any other way except my Lord
Quiverwit, who ventured to say, with a sneer, that I was in the right
to establish my own character, of which he had now no longer any doubt.
Nettled at this severe equivocation, which raised a laugh at my expense,
I replied with some warmth, "I am proud of having in that particular