being charged with a great crime to his soldiery, chose rather to suffer
exile (the punishment due to it, had he been found guilty) than to have
it said, that Scipio was questioned in public, on so scandalous a charge.
And think you, my dear, that Scipio did not blush with indignation, when
the charge was first communicated to him?

Mr. Lovelace, when the widow expressed her forward wonder, looked sly and
leering, as if to observe how I took it: and said, they might take notice
that his regard for my will and pleasure (calling me his dear creature)
had greater force upon him than the oath by which he had bound himself.

Rebuking both him and the widow, I said, it was strange to me to hear an
oath or vow so lightly treated, as to have it thought but of second
consideration, whatever were the first.

The observation was just, Miss Martin said; for that nothing could excuse
the breaking of a solemn vow, be the occasion of making it what it would.

I asked her after the nearest church; for I have been too long a stranger
to the sacred worship. They named St. James's, St. Anne's, and another
in Bloomsbury; and the two nieces said they oftenest went to St. James's
church, because of the good company, as well as for the excellent
preaching.

Mr. Lovelace said, the Royal Chapel was the place he oftenest went to,
when he was in town. Poor man! little did I expect to hear he went to
any place of devotion. I asked, if the presence of the visible king of,
comparatively, but a small territory, did not take off, too generally,
the requisite attention to the service of the invisible King and Maker
of a thousand worlds?

He believed this might be so with such as came for curiosity, when the
royal family were present. But otherwise, he had seen as many contrite
faces at the Royal Chapel, as any where else: and why not? Since the
people about court have as deep scores to wipe off, as any people
whatsoever.

He spoke this with so much levity, that I could not help saying, that
nobody questioned but he knew how to choose his company.

Your servant, my dear, bowing, were his words; and turning to them, you
will observe upon numberless occasions, ladies, as we are further
acquainted, that my beloved never spares me upon these topics. But I
admire her as much in her reproofs, as I am fond of her approbation.

Miss Horton said, there was a time for every thing. She could not but
say, that she thought innocent mirth was mighty