She was recommended to the service of an old lady, who wanted one chiefly to attend her in her chamber, and read to her till she fell asleep. Such an employment would have afforded little hope of advancing Syrena in the manner she had desired, had it not been for the family the old gentlewoman was in; which consisted of her daughter, who was married to a baronet, and their son, a fine young gentleman of about twenty-two. This last article rendered the place extremely acceptable, and our young deceiver being introduced to the ladies, her feigned innocence immediately gained their favour; and she was received into the house, with the promise of being used very kindly. The second day after her coming, she wrote to her mother as full an account of the family, as she was able to give in so short a time.

Friday.

            Dear mamma,
            How happy would some young women think themselves to be in my place, I have so little to do, and am so much respected by the inferior servants, that I can scarce think I am a servant myself. It is not required of me to rise till nine or ten o'clock, and then I go into my lady's room, enquire after her health, and give her her chocolate, which is ready made and brought up by the upper house-maid: after this, I am my own mistress till about one, when she rises, and I help her on with her clothes, and see her no more till about eleven, which is the time she generally goes to bed. I sit down and read to her till she falls asleep, and this completes the work of the day. Her daughter's woman has ten times more fatigue than I, though her ladyship is reckoned very good too; but I heard by the by that she is horribly jealous of Sir Thomas; and that makes her a little cross sometimes to those about her; so I am glad I have nothing to do with her. I lie with Mrs Mary her chambermaid, who is a mighty good-natured creature, and likes me prodigiously; it was she gave me the hint about Sir Thomas, and bid me avoid him as much as I could; for, says she, "If he should take any notice of you, my lady would never rest till you were out of the house; and her mother is so fond of her, that she would part from anybody rather than give her a minute's uneasiness; and I can tell you he loves a girl in a corner." So I find, mamma, I must take care of my behaviour; as for the young gentleman, I never saw him till this morning as I was coming upstairs. I assure you he is not at all handsome. You need not fear I shall lose my heart. He did not speak a word, but stared at me when I stopped to let him pass, and I made him a curtsy, so how things will happen I can't tell; but if anything material occurs, you may be sure of being immediately acquainted with it, by
            Dear mamma,
            your most obedient daughter,
            Syrena Tricksy.

            P.S. Just as I had finished the above, my lady's bell rung; so not having time to seal it then, I have the opportunity to tell you, that as I was crossing the passage, I saw the young gentleman again, coming out of his father's closet; I made him another curtsy, and blushed, and I thought he looked a little red too, but did not speak a word. I hope soon to have more to acquaint you with.

Monday.

            Dear mamma,
            I longed to see you yesterday, but did not think it would look well to ask to go out the very first Sunday I came. So I write to inform you, what has happened since my last. On Saturday morning, as I was in a room joining to my lady's chamber, tacking a pair of three-double ruffles on her sleeves (for she goes as fine and as gay as her daughter, though she is so very old) Mr L–– came through to pay his duty to his grandmother, as it seems he does every morning, though I never happened to be in the way before. He took no notice of me as he went, but when he came back, "So my pretty lass, said he, you wait upon my grandmother, I think?" "Yes, sir," replied I, rising and curtsying, "I am so happy" "I hope you'll have cause to think yourself so," returned he, "she is a very good mistress, and you look as if you would deserve her favours." This was all that passed, and he went directly downstairs. Now whether he had any meaning in what he said I can't tell, but I could not help thinking it a lucky omen, that the first thing he said to me should be, that he hoped I should have cause to think myself happy. I should think myself happy indeed, if I could get a husband with such an estate as he will have. O, what splendour does my Lady L–– live in! How everybody worships her; though I must not set my heart too much upon it, for fear of a disappointment. But I have something more to tell you still, mamma. Yesterday in the afternoon my lady, and Sir Thomas and his lady, and Mr L–– went all out a visiting. So it being an idle time, Mrs Brown, Lady L––'s woman, and the chambermaid and I were got all together over a pot of coffee in the back-parlour; and though I believe none of us are silly enough to give any credit to what one may fancy is to be seen in throwing the grounds, yet to amuse ourselves we tossed the cups, as they call it, and were telling one another our fortunes, when, to our great surprise, in comes Mr L––: we were so busy, that we never heard him, till he was just upon us. It seems some of the under-maids happened to be standing at the door, and he came in without knocking. He found what we were at, and fell a-laughing most prodigiously; but the confusion we were all in is not to be expressed. "Nay, nay," said he, "I won't disturb you; and since I have caught you, am resolved to make one among you; come, which of you is the artist?" "I believe, sir," replied Mrs Brown, who had the most courage, our skill is pretty equal; though I think Mary is rather the best at invention" "Then Mary shall be my conjurer," said he; and with these words turned down a cup. Poor Mrs Mary was sadly ashamed, and begged his honour would excuse her; but he would needs carry on the jest, and forced her to take the cup. "Well then,"said she, "here is a great house, and a fine lady at the gate, that seems to expect a visit from your honour;" and a great deal more such stuff she run on with. He laughed again, and said, "As you observed Mrs Brown, I find Mary is a great visionary; but she has not happened to hit upon my humour. I don't regard fine ladies; beauty and innocence have more charms for me than grandeur." He looked full at me as he spoke these last words: "then, I thank you for my fortune, however, Mary," continued he; "and I think I ought to pay for it." With this he gave us every one a kiss, beginning with Mrs Brown, and ending with me. But indeed, mamma, I am very much mistaken, if there was not a great deal of difference between his manner of saluting them and me; he seemed, I thought, only to touch their lips, but pressed mine so hard that he made them smart. After this, "Well," said he, "I won't stay to be a restraint upon you; pray pursue your diversion," and so went upstairs.

            This accident is very trifling, but everything must have a beginning; and therefore I thought fit to let you know it, as you shall most faithfully all that happens to, my dear mamma,
            Your most dutiful daughter,
            Syrena Tricksy.

Wednesday.

            Dear mamma,
            I am not half so easy as when I wrote to you last. I am afraid, I have made a conquest in the wrong place. I find what Mrs Mary told me is true. Sir Thomas can't be content with his own lady, though she is allowed to be one of the finest women in the kingdom, and is not old now; for they say, she was a perfect girl when Mr L–– was born: well, if I were a woman of fortune, I'd marry none of them; but I'll tell you, mamma, Lady L–– went with some company to the play on Monday; after she was gone, Sir Thomas came up into my lady's room, and stayed about an hour, and drank wine and eat some jelly with her, which I served, as it being in her chamber; when he took his leave I was ordered to light him down; I did so, and when we came to the door of his study, he took hold of my hand and pulled me in: I was so confounded, not expecting any such thing from him, who had never before seemed to look at me, that I had not power to make any resistance. "Pretty Mrs Syrena," said he, "I would not have given you this trouble; but for an opportunity to tell you how much I am charmed with your person and behaviour." In speaking this he clapped the door, but did not lock it. "I beg your honour would not talk so to me," answered I, endeavouring to get from him; but he held me fast, and in spite of all I could do, forced a hundred kisses from me. The more I struggled, the closer he pressed me to him; and I don't know how far the old goat might have proceeded, if I had not protested, I would cry out and alarm the house: he then desisted; but still held me with one hand, and with the other took five guineas out of his pocket, and would have put them down my bosom; "Say nothing to anybody," cried he, "and I'll be a friend to you." "Sir," said I, resolutely, "I desire no friendship, but what I shall endeavour to merit by my honesty; and as I am Madam S––'s servant, shall take no presents from any of her relations, without acquainting her with it." "You are young," cried he, "and don't know the world yet." "Nor do I desire to be informed of it by such means," replied I; and giving a sudden spring got loose, and ran upstairs. I thought that I had thrown all the pieces down, that he attempted to put into my bosom; but when I came to unlace me, I found one guinea had slipped in unknown to me. Indeed, I was a little tempted to keep it, as believing he would not miss it, in the hurry of spirits he seemed to have been; but then again I thought that if he did, it would look like an encouragement: so it came into my head to make a merit to the ladies of restoring it, and at the time show him, that any future attempts he should think to make upon me would be in vain. When I went into my lady's chamber in the morning; "Madam," said I, "after I had read you to sleep last night, I saw this guinea lying on the carpet, so I took it up, fearing it might be lost, when the carpet was taken up to be shook. I suppose you happened to drop it." "No," answered she, "I never carry money loose in my pocket. I believe, my son in pulling out some papers, might let it fall." "I beg then, madam," said I, "you will be so good to return it to him." "No," replied she, "you shall do it yourself. When we go to dinner, I'll send for you into the parlour." she did so, and having told Sir Thomas, what I had said concerning the guinea; I went to him, and made him a low curtsy, offering it to him."No, Mrs Syrena," said he, "pray keep it yourself, as a reward for your honesty." I humbly thanked his honour, and went away; but as I went out of the room, I heard Lady L–– say, "Sir Thomas, I am glad you have given it to her;" and the butler told me afterwards, that they all were full of my praises. Sir Thomas himself, I find is not disobliged at this action, for as I went through the dining-room this morning, to ask how Lady L–– had slept, she being a little ill with the headache last night, he was sitting at the window, and as soon as he saw me, he rose, and in a low voice, said, "I see you have a discretion above your years. I will offer nothing that shall alarm you; but I must have a moment's discourse with you soon." I was vexed he was there, and only answered, "I beg your honour will not think on't," and so left him. As to Mr L––, I have not seen him since Sunday, but at table when I carried in the guinea, and once in my lady's chamber; so I can form no judgment, how far I am in his good graces, any farther than my last made mention of. It is very unlucky that his father likes me; but I shall shun him as much as I can, without being taken notice on by the family. I am afraid I shan't be able to see you next Sunday neither, for my lady talks of taking physic; but I am not certain yet, and shall write to you again before then, for I have time enough, if I have but an agreeable subject. I am,
            Dear mamma,
            Your most dutiful daughter,
            Syrena Tricksy.

Thursday evening.

            Dear mamma,
            Strange adventures have happened since yesterday morning; but don't be alarmed for the consequence of them, in all probability will turn out highly to advantage, one way or another. But I will not keep you in suspense. As soon as dinner was over, the coach was ordered, and my lady and Lady L––, and Mrs Brown went among the shops as they call it, that is to make all the tradesmen in their way pull down their goods; tell them what lady bought of such a pattern, and what of such a one; in fine to hear news, and buy pennyworths if they meet with any. But this is nothing to my purpose. After they were gone, I went up into my lady's room, to lay her night-things ready, as I always did, against she undressed, and was a humming a new tune to myself, little thinking anybody was behind me, when turning about, I saw Sir Thomas just coming into the chamber; I was very much startled, but had not time to speak, before he said Mrs Syrena, "I have a favour to beg of you." "In anything I can, and ought to do, I shall obey your honour," answered I. "It is only to mend a hole in my stocking, that is just now broke," returned he; and then looking round the room, "I see you are alone," cried he: these words frighted me very much, and I would have given anything to have been out of the chamber, or that somebody had come up; but he knew well enough the under-servants were all at dinner; and he had left Mrs Mary busy in her lady's room, or else he would not have ventured to come into me in that manner. He saw I was uneasy, and to dissipate my fears. "Don't be under apprehensions," said he, "I shall do you no hurt; you don't think I would ravish you sure." "I hope, sir," answered I, "you would not harbour any thoughts of ruining a poor girl, who has nothing but her good character to depend upon." "No child," said he, "your character can run no risk with a man, who would not forfeit his own; and it is on this head, I want to talk with you." He then told me, that he liked and loved me above any woman he had ever seen; that if I would consent to be his, he would put it out, even of his own power to use me ill, by making me a handsome settlement. All which offers I rejected with (I think, I may say without vanity) a well-affected virtuous pride. I told him, I preferred my honesty in rags, to all the splendour in the world, when it must be the purchase of vice and infamy; and desired he would desist making me any such offers; for as I looked upon it as a crime even to listen to them, I must be obliged to leave the house. "Well," said he, "I will endeavour to conquer myself, if I am able. but, how is it possible," continued he, sighing, and looking full in my face, "when I see those eyes." "Then I must hide them," cried I, turning away. "No," resumed he, "I must not, cannot lose the pleasure of seeing you, cruel girl as you are; but still I hope, you will one day be kinder, yes you will, you must," continued he, catching hold of both hands, and pressing them between his; then perceiving I began to tremble again, "Why are you so alarmed," added he? "Though opportunities are so scarce, that perhaps, I was a little too precipitate in seizing the first; yet you see I now behave to you in a different manner." "Everything that has a tendency to corrupt my innocence," said I, "is alike alarming; and I again protest, I will not stay in a house where I cannot be secure." "Well, Mrs Syrena," replied he, letting go my hands, "you judge my intentions with too much severity. I assure you, that the short time you have been in my family, has made an impression on me, that would not suffer me to injure you. Only think on what I have said, and command anything in my power." With these words he kissed me, and left the room. I presently locked the door to prevent his return; and was sitting down to consider how I should behave in this affair, when the closet-door behind me opened, and out came Mr L––. Never was surprise equal to mine, of seeing him there: I had not presence enough of mind to forbear shrieking, which I am since heartily glad, nobody heard. "Hush!" cried he, "or you'll bring my father back again." "For heaven's sake, sir," said I, "what brought you into that closet?" "Not curiosity, upon my word," answered he, "for I little expected the scene I have been witness of; but whatever motive induced me to conceal myself here, you ought not to be dissatisfied, since by it I have proved your virtue and prudence equal to your beauty." "I beseech you, sir," said I, "don't rally a poor silly girl, who has nothing to boast of, but the resolution of keeping herself honest." "No, Mrs Syrena," replied he, "I never was more serious in my life than I am this moment; I was less so, I confess when I went into that closet, but my father's behaviour has been such a surprise upon me that�Equot; He was going to say something, but a sudden thought made him break off, and after a little pause, "But sure," resumed he, "you do not in earnest intend to quit my grandmother?" "I should think it the greatest blessing of life," answered I, "to continue in the service of so good a lady; but the persecutions I am like to receive from Sir Thomas, are of a nature I neither can or ought to bear, for any consideration." "I am sorry to say," returned he, "that amorous addresses are not very becoming in a man of fifty to a girl of your years; but if ever it should be discovered, 'tis his own, not your character, would suffer by it; you may depend, that whatever his inclinations are, he has too much honour to make use of force to gain you; and if you should leave us, you can go into no family, but where those eyes of yours will lay you under the same temptations you receive from him." On this I hung down my head, and kept looking on the ground to avoid seeing how he looked when he spoke. "Don't be ashamed," pursued he, taking me by the hand, "I tell you nothing but truth; so, pretty Mrs Syrena, you must not think of going out of the house, at least yet a while." "If I could be safe," said I, "nothing could give me greater pleasure than to continue here, but�Equot; "You shall be safe, interrupted he, come, dry those lovely eyes" (for I was just then squeezing out some tears) "I had something to say to you, but will take another opportunity, and leave you now to compose yourself." He concluded with giving me a kiss, accompanied with a most tender pressure of my hand, and then went out of the chamber; but had not been gone above three steps, before he returned. "I believe," said he, "you are too discreet and good-natured to expose my father's folly?" "I should be very sorry," answered I, "to do anything that might create uneasiness in a family, for the greatest part of whom I have the most perfect love and veneration." "Those of us who enjoy that are happy," cried he, and methought his eyes struck fire as he spoke these words; but he went on, I have one thing more to desire of you, and that is, that you will let me know from time to time what solicitations you receive from my father; my advice may be of some service to you; and such a mark of your confidence highly obliging to me." "Sir," replied I, "though such a confidence to a person of a different sex, must cover me with the utmost confusion; yet you seem too good, and too full of pity to me, for me to refuse." "You cannot have too great an opinion of my good-will towards you," said he, "and so you shall find." Here he took me in his arms, and gave me three or four hearty kisses, though with all the modesty in the world, and then ran downstairs.

            Now, mamma, what can I think of all this, but that he concealed himself in the closet for no other purpose, than to attempt me in the manner Sir Thomas has done; but that my resolute behaviour to the father, made a convert of the son; and turned the inclinations he felt for me, into others of a more respectful nature. I would be loath to flatter myself too far, but I think I am right; time will discover. This morning, after he came down from breakfast, as he always does, with Sir Thomas and his lady in their chamber, he tarried walking backwards and forwards in the great parlour, for, I believe, three hours; and every time I passed him, as I was obliged to do very often, there being no other way from my lady's room, he gave me looks which told me, he had the kindest thoughts of me; and once, nobody being in sight, came to me and kissed me, with these words, "Dear Mrs Syrena be easy." He dined abroad today with Sir Thomas, so I have seen neither of them since; but I don't doubt now, but I shall have matter sufficient to employ my pen to you very often. Dear mamma, with good success to,
            Your dutiful daughter,
            Syrena Tricksy.

Friday morning.

            Dear mamma,
            I am now eased of the suspense I was in when I wrote to you yesterday: Mr L–– has broke his mind to me, I'll tell you in what manner. Thursday being what they call my lady's visiting day, there was a vast deal of company; but I had nothing to do with them, for Mrs Brown and the chambermaid attend in a little room within the drawing-room, as the groom of the chambers and butler do in one without; so having nobody to converse with, I sat in my own lady's room, meditating on my affairs. I think I mentioned in my former, that the two gentlemen dined abroad. Sir Thomas, after he had quitted his company, it seems, went to the play, but Mr L–– came home. He did not stay five minutes in the drawing room, but knowing how the family were engaged, and expecting to find me where he did, came directly up. I rose to pay my respects to him, but he made me sit down immediately, and placing himself near me, "I desire," said he, "that there may be no distance observed between us when we are alone, and could wish our circumstances would admit of an equality in public, but fortune is not always just to merit." I was about to make him some compliment in return, but he prevented me by going on. "I have a great deal to say to you Mrs Syrena," pursued he, "but if you desire I should be a sincere friend to you, you must be sincere to me in answering a few questions I shall ask." "I should be altogether unworthy of the honour you do me, sir," replied I, "if I should make any attempt to impose on your belief; I say an attempt, for being bred up in a perfect abhorrence of lying, and all kind of deceit, I should go about the practice of it in so awkward a manner, that a very little share of judgment would be sufficient to detect me. But, sir," continued I, "thank heaven, I yet am conscious of nothing I would wish to conceal from the knowledge of anybody!" (There, I think, I followed your instructions to a nicety, mamma.) "I dare answer for you to myself," said he,"that you have been guilty of nothing that can be called a crime; but love is not so; and my sweet Syrena, have you never yet seen the man happy enough to make an impression on you?" "Never, indeed, sir," replied I, "nor do I boast it as a virtue; because till the dreadful declaration made by Sir Thomas, I never heard the sound of love from any man in the world." "Well," resumed he, "and was it owing, examine well your heart before you answer, to a detestation of his offers, or a dislike to his person and years, that made you so resolutely repulse him?" "To a detestation of his offers," said I, "for I considered nothing farther." "Then," cried he, "you would equally hate any other should address you on the same score?" "I think so," answered I; "but, sir, I beseech you question me no farther. I know my heart at present, but know not what it may be hereafter. I have heard of women, that have an hundred times my understanding, and yet made a false step, as they call it. 'Tis heaven alone must keep me, and by depending on that only guard, I hope to be secure." "Well, but there is no harm," said he, "in indulging a tenderness, for a generous faithful lover." "No, sir," replied I, "not when his designs are virtuous and honourable." "The world," cried he, "is not well agreed about the true signification of those words, virtuous and honourable; but for my part, I think that what tends to make the happiness of the beloved object is both virtuous and honourable; but, we'll leave the definition to the casuists: I have one thing more, my charming Syrena, to be informed of, and then I have done. Suppose," continued he, "I loved you, and loved you with a passion, which it was utterly impossible for me to subdue, must I for that reason, be the object of your aversion?" (I expected this, so had prepared myself for it, as you will find mamma. ) "Heaven forbid," cried I, "that I should ever be brought into so terrible dilemma. I know what I ought to do, but�Equot; (here I seemed to falter in my speech) "but I beseech you, sir, do not talk in this manner to  a poor silly creature, that knows not how to answer you." "Dear lovely innocence!" cried he, pulling me to him, and kissing me an hundred times, "I believe in spite of all my struggling, I do love you," pursued he; the very first minute I saw you, I loved you. But your wit, your prudence, your unaffected modesty, has made me now almost adore you." Here, he began to kiss me again with more vehemence than before, and I could not get leave to speak for a good while; at last bursting from him, and pretending to weep, "Ah, sir!" said I, "if you loved me, you would not use me in this manner." "By heaven, I do," said he, "and to prove it will �E" here he stopped, and then, "will do almost anything." I was going to reply, but heard somebody coming upstairs; it was the groom of the chambers for a sheet of gilt paper out of my lady's escritiore, for one of the company to write a song; he seemed surprised to find Mr L–– with me, as was he at his coming up; but to take off all suspicion, "I came a begging too," said he, "for a stick of wax; I happening to be out, and I know my grandmother is a great clerk, but Mrs Syrena tells me there is none, have you any in your charge, for I want to seal some letters?" "I think I have, sir," answered the other, where shall I bring it your honour? "Into my chamber," said Mr L––, and went with him downstairs. I have not seen him since, nor indeed was there any opportunity, for the company taking leave soon after, they went to supper; and he is not stirring yet. A thousand to one but this day will produce something more; if it does, I'll write tomorrow, for my lady persists in her design of taking physic, and I can't come out on Sunday. If you find anything amiss in my management, let me know it by old Sarah, for I would not have you trust the penny post; but if I have behaved according to your mind, defer writing till a more material occasion, for I would not have anybody come after me too often. I am, dear mamma, as ever,
            Your most obedient daughter,
            Syrena Tricksy.

            P.S. I had forgot to tell you that Mr Groves, the groom of the chambers, has been vastly diligent to oblige me ever since I came into the house; and I am afraid guesses somewhat by seeing Mr L–– in the chamber with me last night, for this morning he looks very sullen, and did not speak to me as he used to do.

Monday morning.

            Dear mamma,
            Friday passed over, without anything happening worth acquainting you with; though both Sir Thomas and his son were at home the greatest part of the day; not that I believe it owing to the inclinations of either; but that the presence of the one was a hindrance to the other, in any design they might have of speaking to me. On Saturday morning I saw Mr L–– in my lady's chamber; as he went out, I happened to be pretty near the door, and he took the opportunity of snatching a kiss from me behind a great screen, that stands to shelter that part of the room where my lady sits from the air. This was all the place would give him leave to do, but he afterwards watched my coming downstairs, and said he, "That impertinent fellow (meaning Groves) interrupted our conversation the other night, before I had told you half what I had to say; my father will be engaged for the whole evening, and the ladies are to be at the assembly; don't be frightened if I conceal myself again in the same closet, nor shun the place because you know I shall be there." I had no opportunity of making any answer, if I had been prepared for one, which indeed I was not, he took me so unawares; for the moment he left off speaking, he turned upon his heel, fell a singing an Italian air, and went upstairs. Indeed, mamma, I was very uneasy at this. I thought to be there would have too much the air of an assignation; and not to be there when I knew he was waiting for me, would be an affront, not befitting one of my station to one of his, and might turn the love he had for me into hate; so I resolved on the former, but how to carry myself, so as that my complying should not give too much encouragement, employed my thoughts the whole day: but I might have saved myself that trouble, if I could have guessed what would happen. Sir Thomas went out at four o'clock, and the chariot was ordered for the ladies at seven; as soon as they were gone, Mrs Brown comes jumping into the parlour, where Mrs Mary and I were talking of some silly stuff or another; "So," said she, "now we have the house to ourselves for one while: Mr L–– is gone out, is he not?" pursued she, to Mrs Mary; "I believe a good while since," answered she, "for I saw him with his hat on presently after Sir Thomas went, and his man is snoring on the dresser below." "Well then, we'll enjoy ourselves," cried the other, "I'll treat you two with a bottle of French and a Seville orange, and then we'll have a pot of tea: what say you, Mrs Syrena?" "I thank you, madam," answered I, but I have so much business to do�Equot; "O you are greatly employed, you would make one believe," cried Mrs Brown, "but we'll have you for all your excuses." "Well then," said I, "I will only put my lady's things in order, and come down." With that I ran upstairs in a great hurry, not doubting but my lover was at his appointment; as indeed he was; for pretending he was going out when they rose from table, he took his hat and went into his chamber, where locking himself in till the ladies were gone, he slipped up the back-stairs, and so into the closet. When I came into the chamber, after he had peeped through the key-hole, that he might not be mistaken in the person, he opened the door, and catching me in his arms, "Dear girl," said he, "what pains do I take for a moment's pleasure, and that too I fear you grudge me; but with your leave, my dear, I'll shut the door for fear of Mr Groves," added he, with a smile, and immediately bolted it. "O, sir," cried I, "I shall be soon obliged to open it, if I make any stay here." I then told him of Mrs Brown's invitation, and how I had promised to go down; on which he gave her two or three hearty curses; he had not time to utter much more, for Mrs Mary came up, and finding the door fastened, cried, "Hey-day! What have you bolted yourself in; open the door, Mrs Syrena, Mrs Brown sent me for you." On this Mr L–– was compelled to return to his concealment, and I let in the intruder. "Come," said she, "what are you doing?" "I was going," answered I, "to pin up a head for my lady." "Pish," returned the other, "you know she does not go out tomorrow; therefore you may let it alone till another time; come, come, Mrs Brown is making the bishop herself, and 'tis ready by now." "I'll follow you in a moment," said I. "No, no," cried she, "I'll have you go with me; come, who knows but the young squire may surprise us as he did over the coffee." "If I thought so," answered I, "you should have none of my company, for I never was so much ashamed in my life." "There's no danger," said she, and pulled me along with her; when we came into my Lady L––'s dressing-room, for it was there Mrs Brown made this regale, "you are so fond of mewing yourself up in that chamber above," said she to me, "that one would imagine you met a sweetheart there." I believe, mamma, that in spite of all the lessons you gave me to the contrary, I could not quite overcome my confusion at these words; but putting on as composed a look as I could, if nobody thought no more of sweethearts than I do, answered I, "The parsons would have little business�Equot; "O! One may have a sweetheart," resumed she laughing, "without having any occasion for a parson." "Ay," cried I; "for my part I always thought entertaining a sweetheart, was in order to make a husband of him." "That's as it falls out," said she, "for there are sweethearts of different kinds." She seemed, methought, to speak this with a sort of malicious sneer, and what I have since heard, convinces me I was not mistaken. I took no notice, however, but laughed as they did, and we were very merry over our bishop. At last, I can't remember for my life how she introduced it, but she cried all on a sudden, "So, Mrs Syrena, you would have us think you never had a lover yet." "I don't care what anybody thinks," answered I, "but sure if I had one, we should see one another sometimes, and all the house knows, that since I have been here, I have never been once abroad, nor has any man or woman either come to visit me." "Yes," said Mrs Brown, "to my certain knowledge you have had a visitor, I won't say a lover." "Me!" cried I, in some astonishment.  "Yes, you, for all your demure looks, resumed she, pray was not Mr L–– once with you in your lady's chamber?" Here, mamma, I had enough to do to contain myself; but I believe I behaved pretty tolerably; "Mr L––," said I, "yes, he came up one evening for a stick of wax, but what of that?" "Nay, nothing, answered she, but I had a mind to banter you a little." She said no more, but I perceived by this that Groves had been tattling, and also, that there was some suspicion that the stick of wax was but a pretence. I resolved therefore to consent to no more concealments in the closet, for fear of a discovery, which would infallibly ruin all our projects. When Mrs Mary and I were in bed, she told me as a great secret, that both Mr Groves and Mrs Brown imagined Mr L–– had a more than ordinary liking to me; but said she, "She has told my lady nothing of it yet, nor won't, I heard her say, till she had found all out, and I fancy she made the treat on purpose to try if she could pump you out of anything; so, Mrs Syrena, as I wish you well from my heart, I would advise you to take care, if there be anything in it; for Mrs Brown is a very good woman, but a little prying, and loves to meddle–you understand me." "I do," answered I, "and thank you for your caution, though I assure you there is no need of it, Mr L–– never changed ten words with me in his life." "I am glad of it," said she, "for what designs can such a gentleman as he have upon one of us, but to ruin us." "Very true," replied I; she again conjured me to secrecy, which I as firmly promised, and that put an end to our discourse; but I was so nettled, that I did not sleep all night. Yesterday I did not stir out of my lady's chamber the whole day, not even to dinner, for she made me eat a bit of boiled chicken with her: and Mrs Mary, and one or other of the house-maids, brought up and carried down everything that was wanted; among other things. Mrs Brown told me on Saturday, that there was a talk of going out of town this week: my lady also mentioned something of it to me herself; but on what day, or who of the family are to go, I know not as yet; but am very sure I shall be one, whoever is left behind, for my lady likes nothing but what I do for her. If their resolution holds of going this week, I shall ask to come and take my leave of you; but I suppose you will hear from me before that, who am, dear mamma,
            Your dutiful daughter,
            Syrena Tricksy.

Wednesday afternoon.

            Dear mamma,
            Sunday being fixed for our country journey, I send this to acquaint you, that I hope to be with you on Friday, for to-morrow my lady dresses early to go out, and on Saturday we shall all be busy packing up; but I mentioned Friday to my lady, who has promised I shall have the whole day to myself. Nothing worthy of writing has happened since my last, except that seeing Mr L–– in the parlour, waiting for a chair to go out, I ventured to run to him, and acquainted him with what Mrs Brown had said to me, and the hints given me by the chambermaid. He bit his lips all the time I was speaking, and seemed very much out of humour; I know not whether at me or the news I told him; for just as he was about to reply, we heard somebody coming, and he cried, "Curse on it, there's no speaking in this house," and I ran as fast as I could into the back-parlour, and so downstairs; the person who gave us this interruption was Sir Thomas, as I afterwards found, for my lady's bell ringing, I was obliged to return, and saw him talking to his son as I passed the door. If (as they say) difficulties increase inclination, both father and son meet with enough in their designs on me, to make them grow violent at last. But, dear mamma, I hope we shall have opportunity on Friday to talk over all our affairs, and consult what future measures are proper to be taken by
            Your most obedient daughter,
            Syrena Tricksy.

Saturday morning, eight o'clock.

            Dear mamma,
            You little think by what means I was prevented waiting on you yesterday, as I intended, and how greatly your poor daughter stood in need of all the admonitions you have given her, to defend the hope of making her fortune in this family, from being totally destroyed at once. but you shall have the whole history of what has befallen me since my last. My lady being abroad on Thursday, I was afraid Mr L–– would take the advantage of her absence, to slip again into that dangerous closet; and as I was resolved not to venture holding any more discourses with him in that place, kept as much as I could below stairs; but in avoiding him, I fell into Sir Thomas's way, who seeing me pass by the parlour-door, boldly called me to him, under pretence of asking, whether my lady took me down into the country or not; though to be sure he knew well enough. He asked me the question loud enough to be heard into the next room, if anybody had been there; but then, with the same breath, said in a low voice, "My charmer, 'tis an age since I have touched these dear lips," and kissed me violently. I resisted with all my strength; "Still unkind!" returned he, "but I don't wonder at it; you don't yet know the good I intend for you; but when we get into the country, I shall have more time to show�Equot; He could say no more, for Mr L–– came into the room; and I could perceive by his countenance, was not very well pleased at finding me with his father. As I was going away, "Don't forget, Mrs Syrena," said Sir Thomas, very gravely, which I suppose was to make Mr L–– imagine he had been speaking to me on some affairs of the family: my lady came home in the evening, and went directly into the drawing-room, which was very full of company; I kept with Mrs Brown the whole time, and did not go up till I knew my lady was near coming to bed. Not but I longed to hear what Mr L–– had to say to me, and believed he waited for me, but durst not run the risk of meeting him there, after what had been said to me. I reflected on what Sir Thomas had hinted, that in the country there would be more opportunities; and if so, did not doubt but his son would make his advantage of them, therefore was determined his designs upon me, whatever they were, should stand still till then. But he was too cunning for me; though as things have happened, I think 'tis better for me that he was so, now I know his mind. yesterday morning I went into my lady's chamber, to know if she had any commands for me before I went out, for she had given me leave the night before. She told me she had not, and I might have the whole day to myself. Mr L–– was with her, and I left him there when I went to my own room to put on another gown: he hardly looked toward me, and I found he was angry. While I was dressing, Mrs Mary came up for something, and I prayed her to send one of the men for a coach, which she promised, and when I came down I found one at the door; so in I stepped, full of joy to think I should have so much time with you; but I was not two streets beyond the square, when the coach stopped; I looked out to see if anything was in the way, and the meantime the door on the other side was opened, and in comes Mr L––; never was surprise equal to mine at being served this trick. "O! Sir," cried I, why do you do this? He made me no answer, but called to the coachman to drive to Blackheath, and immediately drew up the window. I expected nothing less now than to meet a second Vardine, and begged, and prayed and would have thrown myself upon my knees to him in the coach; "No," Syrena, said he, "I have you now, and will not part with you, till I have told you all my sentiments concerning you, and know how far yours are influenced in my favour. I waited for you in my grandmother's closet three hours yesterday, but you took care to avoid me, though I found you had not the same caution with regard to Sir Thomas." I then repeated to him the true reason that made me act in that manner, and also what Sir Thomas had said to me, which put him into a better humour; but all I could say would not prevail upon him to go out of the coach, or let me do so; the fears of what might happen, and the vexation of my disappointment of seeing you, made me burst into real tears. He endeavoured to compose me as much as possible, protesting he would offer nothing I should not approve of; and indeed during the whole time of our little journey, he attempted no greater freedoms than a kiss. As soon as he found I seemed a little better satisfied, "My dear Syrena," said he, I need not tell you that I love you; the pains I have taken to gain even a moment's sight of you, is the greatest proof of it that can be given; but there are others not in my power to give, which perhaps you would think more convincing: "I mean," continued he, "making you the offer of a settlement for life, and a handsome provision for any children that might be the consequence of our intimacy; this, Sir Thomas can do for you; and I believe by what he said to you, is what he intends to do for you, if you'll accept it. But you know, Syrena, that while he lives, I have no estate, and am a mere dependant on his pleasure, for my present expenses; indeed my allowance is not so scanty, but that out of it I could support you in a fashion, that, with a little love on your side, would make you easy. What answer," cried he, perceiving I was silent, "does my dear Syrena make?" "Alas, sir!" said I, "what answer can I make, that will not be displeasing to you? I have already told you I prefer my honesty to everything, and I hope shall always be of the same mind." Here he brought all the arguments, and indeed many more than I thought the cause would bear, to prove, that to resign oneself to a man of honour, and who loved one, was no breach of virtue, brought a thousand examples of women in past ages, and in foreign countries, whose love was never imputed to them as a crime; and in fine, left nothing unsaid that he imagined might make me think as he would have me. I did not pretend to argue with him, only cried, as often as he gave me opportunity to speak, "Good sir, don't talk so to a poor simple creature, that does not know how to answer you. I am very unhappy that you should think on me on this score," and such like; but though I feigned a world of ignorance, I took care still to let him see I kept up to my resolution, and that nothing should persuade me out of my virtue. This discourse lasted till we came to Blackheath, where we alighted at a house, which I suppose he knew to be a proper one for the purpose he brought me there upon. We had a very elegant dinner, and fine wine; but I remembered Vardine, and drank very sparingly; when the cloth was taken away, and the waiters gone, "I see, Syrena," said he, "the source of my ill success in all I have urged to you; it is because my person has made no impression on you, that my arguments have failed; but believe me," continued he, taking my hand, and tenderly pressing it to his heart, "that you will one day see some happier man, whom to oblige, you will think nothing a crime." "Indeed, sir, I never shall I'm sure," returned I with a sigh. "How are you sure you could refuse a man you loved," cried he? "Were you ever tried by one you loved?" With these words he looked full in my face: (I saw his drift was to find out if I had any liking to him, and thought that to seem as if I had, would give him the greater opinion of my virtue, in so resolutely withstanding his offers) so feigned to be in a great confusion–trembled–set my breasts a heaving–and in a faltering voice cried, "I don't know what you call love, sir, but I am sure I could refuse giving up my virtue to one that I would give my life to oblige in anything else." "And I would give my life," returned he hastily, "to be that happy man you speak of, even though you should continue to refuse me the proof of it I desire. Tell me, tell me, my little angel," pursued he, throwing his arms about my waist, "am I so blessed to thought well on by you?" "O! Do not, sir," cried I more and more confused, "endeavour to pry into the little secrets of a silly innocent maid, that knows not how to disguise, nor to confess them as she ought; but if I were a great lady, I should not be ashamed to let you see into my very heart; but don't," added I, hiding my face in his bosom, "don't, sir, talk to me any more of settlements and provision. Poor as I am, I scorn the thoughts of anything but�Equot; "Love,"interrupted he, in a kind of rapture, "say love my charmer." "If I were to be won from the principles I have been bred in," said I, "love, since you will have it so, would be all that could induce me." Now, mamma, I fancy you'll think I carried the feint too far, and brought myself in a snare, I should not know how to get out of; but I had all my wits about me, as you'll find. He called me his life, his soul, cherubim, goddess, and I know not what. "We'll talk of nothing then, but love," cried he, "do nothing but love;" and having me in his arms, was about to carry me to a settee at the other end of the room. I begged him to let me go, but he was deaf to all I said; till at length I broke from him, and throwing myself at his feet, beseeched him with a flood of tears, not to ruin me; but this proving ineffectual, and he still persisting in his endeavours to raise me from the posture I was in; I counterfeited faintings, fell dying on the floor, and between every pretended agony, lifting up my eyes, cried, "O! Sir, you have killed me; but, I forgive you". This piece of dissimulation had the success I wished: he vowed no more to shock my modesty, said a thousand tender things, and, I believe, was truly concerned to see me in that condition. By little, and little, I seemed to recover my spirits, and when I had; "How shamefully," said I, "have I betrayed myself. How dare I encounter the artifices of mankind, with my plain simple innocence: how could I flatter myself such a gentleman as you, could have any inclinations for such a creature as myself; but such as would demean me more, O! Infinitely more, than fortune has done." "You wrong yourself and me," replied he; "you know very well I could not marry you, without entailing ruin on us both, but anything else�Equot; "I beg you, sir," said I, "let us talk no more of love or ruin. I know the difference between us in all respects. I am unhappy, and I must be so; then I began to weep again, and appeared so wild and discomposed, that he was afraid my fits would return. He led me into the garden for air, and the whole time we were together afterwards, which was till quite night, neither said, or did anything, but what would become the most respectful lover.

            Now mamma by this, you may see into the bottom of his heart. He loves me, but will not marry me: nor can he make a settlement till his father dies, and who knows how his mind may alter before then; so I think it would be better for me to break quite off with him, and see what proposals Sir Thomas designs to make me. I send this by a porter, because the penny-post would not be time enough for your answer, which pray send directly; for I want your advice what to do, especially, as I shan't see you, till we come to town again. I am,
            Dear mamma,
            your ever dutiful daughter,
            Syrena Tricksy.

            The messenger by whom this was sent brought an answer to it, the contents whereof were as follows.

            Dear Syrena,
            You have very well atoned for the vexation I suffered yesterday, through your not coming; by the full account you give me of the cause that detained you: I am highly pleased with every particular in your conduct, and, especially, that you have such just notions of what is your real interest; and make no distinction between youth and age, but as either is most advantageous. As Mr L–– can settle nothing upon you, and drawing him into marriage, seems attended with many difficulties; I would have you receive Sir Thomas's proposals with somewhat less severity, than you have done; but not so much, as to make him too secure of your yielding neither; for as I believe, by all circumstances, that Mr L–– has a strong passion for you, there is a possibility you may have him at last your own way. Only, my dear child, stick to this maxim, to make nothing of him, if you can't make him a husband. I doubt not but before you come back, you'll know what Sir Thomas intends to do for you; till then there is no resolving on anything . I perceive neither of them have, as yet made you any presents, which I much wonder at. If any should be offered, accept of nothing from the father; but you may receive any proof of the son's affection, because it will also confirm him in the hope you have given him of yours; which is the only thing you have for bringing him to the point we aim at. I wish you a good journey, my dear girl, and safe return; write as often as anything occurs, to
            Your affectionate mother,
            Ann Tricksy.

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