ing conducted to her Lodging by the Mistress of the House,
who then left her to take what Rest she could amidst her so many
Misfortunes; returning to the other Lady, who desir'd her to search into
the Cause of _Bellamora's_ Retreat to Town.

The next Morning the good Gentlewoman of the House coming up to her,
found _Bellamora_ almost drown'd in Tears, which by many kind and sweet
Words she at last stopp'd; and asking whence so great Signs of Sorrow
should proceed, vow'd a most profound Secrecy if she would discover to
her their Occasion; which, after some little Reluctancy, she did, in
this manner.

I was courted (said she) above three Years ago, when my Mother was yet
living, by one Mr. _Fondlove_, a Gentleman of good Estate, and true
Worth; and one who, I dare believe, did then really love me: He
continu'd his Passion for me, with all the earnest and honest
Sollicitations imaginable, till some Months before my Mother's Death;
who, at that time, was most desirous to see me disposed of in Marriage
to another Gentleman, of much better Estate than Mr. _Fondlove_; but one
whose Person and Humour did by no means hit with my Inclinations: And
this gave _Fondlove_ the unhappy Advantage over me. For, finding me one
Day all alone in my Chamber, and lying on my Bed, in as mournful and
wretched a Condition to my then foolish Apprehension, as now I am, he
urged his Passion with such Violence, and accursed Success for me, with
reiterated Promises of Marriage, whensoever I pleas'd to challenge 'em,
which he bound with the most sacred Oaths, and most dreadful
Execrations: that partly with my Aversion to the other, and partly with
my Inclinations to pity him, I ruin'd my self.--Here she relaps'd into a
greater Extravagance of Grief than before; which was so extreme that it
did not continue long. When therefore she was pretty well come to
herself, the antient Gentlewoman ask'd her, why she imagin'd herself
ruin'd: To which she answer'd, I am great with Child by him, Madam, and
wonder you did not perceive it last Night. Alas! I have not a Month to
go: I am asham'd, ruin'd, and damn'd, I fear, for ever lost. Oh! fie,
Madam, think not so, (said the other) for the Gentleman may yet prove
true, and marry you. Ay, Madam (replied _Bellamora_) I doubt not that he
would marry me; for soon after my Mother's Death, when I came to be at
my own Disposal, which happen'd about two Months after, he offer'd, nay
most earnestly sollicited me to it, whi