Page:Life and transactions of Mrs. Jane Shore (2).pdf/8

 8 who looking round through his mask, fixed his eyes upon her, and immediately stepping to her seat, took her out to dance along with him. At this she blushed, but not to be unmannerly, she complied; and the dance being ended, he took her to a single light, and pulling off his mask to salute her, she perceived it was the same man whom she had seen at her own shop, and at Mrs Blague's house; and putting a letter into her hand he retired. She then coining to Mrs Blague, desired to go home; to this she consented, and then read the let- ter, which was to this purpose :

My Lovely Jane, Your beauty has enthralled my heart. 'Tis a King sues; you will be kind to him, and by a line tell him so to his comfort.'

When she read the letter, she left Mrs Blague ab- ruptly, judging that she had a hand in the matter. Al this night the fair Jane was restless: her hus- band enquired the cause, but could not learn it. As soon as she got up, she went to Mrs Blague, to consult what she must do in this strait, well knowing the King's humour. Mrs Blague, seeing her thus pensive, said, Come, my dear, you must not be coy, nor deny the King's re- quest. You will glitter so near a throne, and enjoy a gallant bed-fellow I find he is resolved to have you for a mistress, and therefore it is best for you willingly to submit to him.' At this discourse she trembled, yet considering, from the many attempts her beauty had caused, that it was not made to be enjoyed by one, in a fatal hour she con- sented; and instead of writing an answer to the King's letter, it was agreed that that very night she should take her apparel, and put herself into the hands of the King. This being concluded, Mrs Blague sent the King notice, who sent a chariot for them; and in the mean time her clothes were conveyed away to Mrs Blague's. However, she supped with her husband,