At their
suggestions, a most infamous plan was projected; in the execution
of which, one P--, a poor, unbred, simple country booby, whom they
had decoyed into a snare, lost one of his ears, and the injured
lady retired that same day to New-R--, where she continued several
years. She did not, however, leave the house, without struggling
hard to carry her child along with her; but far from enjoying such
indulgence, strict orders were given, that the boy should not,
for the future, be brought within her sight. This base, inhuman
treatment, instead of answering the end proposed, produced such a
contrary effect, that the duke of B--, by a codicil to his will,
in which he reflects upon Lord A--'s evil temper, directed his
executors to pay to his daughter an annuity of one hundred pounds,
while her lord and she should continue to live separate; and this
allowance was to cease on Lord A--'s death.
"While she remained in this solitary situation, the child was
universally known and received as the legitimate son and heir of
her lord, whose affection for the boy was so conspicuous, that, in
the midst of his own necessities, he never failed to maintain him
in the dress and equipage of a young nobleman.
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