ys, also very
susceptible. I was on very intimate terms with Mr. HARLEY, who was
then at Worthing; and one day, while quietly dining together, we
mutually agreed that there was a fickleness about this lady which
deserved some reproof. We were really liberal in our feelings, and
would not have objected to her shooting an extra dart
occasionally; but it was not to be borne that she should let fly a
whole quiver at once. We had observed that by way of having two or
more strings to her bow, she had got up a flirtation with the
leader of the band, a most respectable man by the way, and of
considerable talent. After giving the affair all due
consideration, we decided upon a mock-duel, in which I was to
personate one of the heroes, my rival being the aforesaid leader.
We carefully and ostentatiously avoided all appearance of
communication, and in such a way that it always reached her
knowledge. Thus by gentle innuendoes she discovered that something
serious was in contemplation, and of course she was not a little
flattered, as she was the object of dispute. Our duelling-pistols
were one day ostentatiously paraded, and evident anxiety took
possession of the company, who were carefully excluded from the
secret. The following morning at five o'clock we each left our
lodgings, accompanied by our seconds, the rain pouring in
torrents. HARLEY then went to the lodgings of the frail or rather
fair one, knocked at the door most violently, and at length she
appeared at the window, in evident alarm. He urged her if she had
the feelings of a woman immediately to accompany him, and prevent
murder; briefly stating, that her 'beauties were the cause and
most accursed effect.' In a state of real excitement, mixed up
with woman's vanity, she rushed out of the house, and accompanied
that wag of wags. A white beaver hat, sweet emblem of her purity,
was on her head, and partially concealed her disordered ringlets,
hastily gathered together. We arranged with HARLEY always to keep
ourselves a certain distance in advance on the pathway bordering
the sands. The first thing that occurred was a sudden gust of wind
which swept the white beaver a considerable distance and covered
it with mud; her flowing locks then fell upon her alabaster neck,
and her romantic appearance was perfect. We most cruelly led her