To this I answered, without the least hesitation or
mincing grimace, that had I not even contracted a kind of
engagement to be at his disposal without the least reserve,
the example of such agreeable companions would alone deter-
mine me and that I was in no pain about any thing but my
appearing to so great a disadvantage after such superior
beauties. And take notice that I thought as I spoke. The
frankness of the answer pleas'd them all; my particular was
complimented on his acquisition, and, by way of indirect
flattery to me, openly envied.
Mrs. Cole, by the way, could not have given me a greater
mark of her regard than in managing for me the choice of this
young gentleman for my master of the ceremonies: for, inde-
pendent of his noble birth and the great fortune he was heir
to, his person was even uncommonly pleasing, well shaped and
tall; his face mark'd with the small-pox, but no more than
what added a grace of more manliness to features rather turn-
ed to softness and delicacy, was marvellously enliven'd by
eyes which were of the clearest sparkling black; in short, he
was one whom any woman would, in the familiar style, readily
call a very pretty fellow.
I was now handed by him to the cock-pit of our match,
where, as I was dressed in nothing but a white morning gown,
he vouchsafed to play the male-Abigail on this occasion, and
spared me the confusion that would have attended the forward-
ness of undressing myself: my gown then was loosen'd in a
trice, and I divested of it; my stay next offered an obstacle
which readily gave way, Louisa very readily furnishing a pair
of scissors to cut the lace; off went that shell and dropping
my upper-coat, I was reduced to my under one and my shift,
the open bosom of which gave the hands and eyes all the lib-
erty they could wish.
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