![]() I could not help being affected with this pusillanimous behaviour. From this request you may judge of the man, as well as of the regard I must entertain for his character and disposition. When I encouraged these laudable scruples, and resolved to sacrifice my love to duty and reputation, my lord was almost every day employed in riding post to my father, with complaints of my conduct, which was hitherto irreproachable though the greatest grievance which he pretended to have suffered was my refusing to comply with his desire, when he entreated me to lie, a whole hour every morning, with my neck uncovered, that, by gazing, he might quiet the perturbation of his spirits. The presence of one favourite man shall poison the enjoyment of a whole company, and produce the most rancorous enmity betwixt the closest friends. O baleful Envy how dost thou predominate in all assemblies, from the grand gala of a court, to the meeting of simple peasants at their harvest-home Nor is the prevalence of this sordid passion to be wondered at, if we consider the weakness, pride, and vanity of our sex. No dissatisfaction appeared, except in the countenance of one old maid, since married to a son of the duke of �? who though she would not refuse to partake of such an agreeable entertainment, was displeased that I should have the honour of inviting her. In the afternoon we embarked in two splendid barges, being attended by a band of music in a third and enjoyed a delightful evening upon the river till the twilight, when we returned and began the ball, which was conducted with such order and taste, that mirth and good-humour prevailed. We were regaled with a most elegant dinner, in an apartment which was altogether superb, and served by gentlemen only, no livery servant being permitted to come within the door. S�?, brother to Lord F�? The former of whom, in the course of his addresses, treated me with an entertainment of surprising magnificence, disposed into a dinner, supper, and ball, to which I, at his desire, invited eleven ladies, whom he paired with the like number of his own sex so that the whole company amounted to twenty-four. Among those who cultivated my good graces with the greatest skill and assiduity, were the Earl C�?and Mr.
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