Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/840

826 her fortune, and impoverished her child, by listening to the insinuations of a villain. Time and patience at last overcame it; and when her health, which by this accident had been much impaired, was restored, she took a house in. Bloomsbury, and by œconomy, and an elegant appearance, was supposed to be better in the world than she really was. Her husband's clients received her like one risen from the dead; they visited and promised to serve her. At last the duke of Montague advised her to let lodgings, which way of life she declined, as her talents were not suited for dealing with ordinary lodgers; "but if I knew," added she, "any family that desired such a conveniency, I would readily accommodate them." "I take you at your word," replied the duke, "I will become your sole tenant;" and accordingly he used to meet there some of his noble friends to concert about the revolution: after it took place, they took leave of the lady, with promises of obtaining a pension, or some place in the household for her: she had a very good claim to some appointment, having been ruined by the shutting up the exchequer, but nothing came of these promises. The duke of Montague indeed made offers of service, and being captain of the band of pensioners, she asked him to admit Mr. Gwynnet, who had made love to her daughter, in such a post. This he promised, but desired that her daughter should ask him for it; but how amazed was she to find her, who had never discovered the least instance of disobedience, absolutely refuse to ask any favour of his grace: and continuing obstinate in her resolution, her mother obliged her to explain herself. Upon which she told her that his designs were dishonourable: the explanation was but too satisfactory; and his mean and ungenerous conduct too apparent to admit of any excuse.

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