She
had, it seems, apprehended that I fled for shelter to some
relation I had recollected in town, on my dislike of their
ways and proceeding towards me, and that this application
came from thence; for, as Charles had rightly judg'd not
one neighbour had, at that still hour, seen the circum-
stance of my escape into the coach, or, at least, notic'd
him; neither had any in the house the least hint or clue of
suspicion of my having spoke to him, much less of my having
clapt up such a sudden bargain with a perfect stranger:
thus the greatest improbability is not always what we
should most mistrust.
We supped with all the gaiety of two young giddy crea-
tures at the top of their desires; and as I had most joy-
fully given up to Charles the whole charge of my future
happiness, I thought of nothing beyond the exquisite plea-
sure of possessing him.
He came to bed in due time; and this second night,
the pain being pretty well over, I tasted, in full draughts,
all the transports of perfect enjoyment: I swam, I bathed in
bliss, till both fell fast asleep, through the natural con-
sequences of satisfied desires, and appeas'd flames; nor did
we wake but to renew'd raptures.
Thus, making the most of love and life, did we stay in
this lodging in Chelsea about ten days; in which time Charles
took care to give his excursions from home a favourable gloss,
and to keep his footing with his fond indulgent grandmother,
from whom he drew constant and sufficient supplies for the
charge I was to him, and which was very trifling, in compari-
sion with his former less regular course of pleasures.
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