you, Madam; and
so consequently are their Husbands. Are these Ladies all marry'd, Madam?
_Philadelphia_ ask'd. All, all, my dear Soul! (reply'd the insinuating
Mother of Iniquity;) and thou shalt have a Husband too, e're long. Alas,
Madam! (return'd the fair Innocent) I have no Merit, nor Money: Besides,
I never yet could Love so well as to make Choice of one Man before
another.

How long have you liv'd then, Madam? (ask'd the Lady _Beldam_) too long
by almost sixteen Years, (reply'd _Philadelphia_) had Heaven seen good.
This Conversation lasted till Word was brought that Sir _Francis_ and
Sir _Thomas_, with Two other Gentlemen were just lighted at the Gate:
Which so discompos'd the fair Innocent, that trembling, she begg'd leave
to retire to her Chamber. To which, after some Perswasion to the
contrary, the venerable _Beldam_ waited on her. For, these were none of
the Sparks to whom _Philadelphia_ was design'd to be Sacrific'd. In her
Retirement, the Beautiful dear Creature had the Satisfaction of venting
her Grief in Tears, and addressing herself to Heaven, on which only she
trusted, notwithstanding all the fair Promises of her reverend Hostess;
she had not been retir'd above an Hour, e're a She-attendant waited on
her, to know if she wanted any thing, and what she wou'd please to have
for her Supper; if she wou'd not give her Lady the Honour of her Company
below? To which she return'd, that she wou'd not Sup, and that she
wanted nothing but Rest, which she wou'd presently seek in Bed. This
Answer brought up the Officious old Lady herself; who, by all Means
wou'd needs see her undress'd, for other Reasons more than a bare
Compliment; which she perform'd with a great deal of Ceremony, and a
Diligence that seem'd more than double. For she had then the Opportunity
of observing the Delicacy of her Skin, the fine turn of her Limbs, and
the richness of her Night-dress, part of the Furniture of her Trunk. As
soon as she had cover'd herself, she kiss'd and wish'd her a good
Repose. The dear Soul, as Innocent and White as her Linen, return'd her
Thanks, and address'd herself to Sleep; out of which she was waken'd by
a loud Consort of Musick, in less than two Hours time, which continu'd
till long after Midnight. This occasion'd strange and doubtful Thoughts
in her, tho' she was altogether so unskill'd in these Mysteries, that
she cou'd not guess the right Meaning. She apprehended, that (possibly)
her Brother had a Mistress, fro