"From hence my first companion went to her friends in the stage-coach,
while the other lady and I hired an open post-chaise, though it
snowed very hard, and, without any accident, performed our journey
to London, where I met with my lover, who flew to my arms in all
the transports of impatient joy; and, doubtless, I deserved his
affection for the hardships, perils, and difficulties I had undergone
to be with him; for I never scrupled to undertake anything practicable,
in order to demonstrate the sincerity of what I professed. In
consequence of our plan, I assumed a fictitious name, and never
appeared in public, being fully satisfied and happy in the company
and conversation of the man I loved; and, when he went into the
country, contented myself with his correspondence, which he punctually
maintained, in a series of letters, equally sensible, sincere, and
affectionate.
"Upon his return to town for the remainder of the season, he devoted
the greatest part of his time to our mutual enjoyment; left me with
reluctance, when he was called away by indispensable business, and
the civility which was due to his acquaintance, and very seldom
went to any place of public entertainment, because I could not
accompany and share with him in the diversion; nay, so much did I
engross his attention, that one evening, after he had been teased
into an agreement of meeting some friends at a play, he went thither
precisely at the appointed hour, and, as they did not arrive
punctually at the very minute, he returned to me immediately,
as much rejoiced at his escape as if he had met with some signal
deliverance.
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