n as we have given some account of the
conduct of her companion.

Though Miss Temple's person was particularly engaging, it was
nevertheless eclipsed by that of Miss Jennings; but she was still more
excelled by the other's superior mental accomplishments. Two persons,
very capable to impart understanding, had the gift been communicable,
undertook at the same time to rob her of the little she really
possessed: these were Lord Rochester and Miss Hobart: the first began to
mislead her by reading to her all his compositions, as if she alone had
been a proper judge of them. He never thought proper to flatter her upon
her personal accomplishments; but told her that if heaven had made
him susceptible of the impressions of beauty, it would not have been
possible for him to have escaped her chains; but not being, thank God,
affected with anything but wit, he had the happiness of enjoying the
most agreeable conversation in the world without running any risk. After
so sincere a confession he either presented to her a copy of verses, or
a new song, in which whoever dared to come in competition in any respect
with Miss Temple was laid prostrate before her charms, most humbly to
solicit pardon: such flattering insinuations so completely turned her
head that it was a pity to see her.

The duchess took notice of it, and well knowing the extent of both their
geniuses, she saw the precipice into which the poor girl was running
headlong without perceiving it; but as it is no less dangerous to forbid
a connection that is not yet thought of, than it is difficult to put an
end to one that is already well established, Miss Hobart was charged to
take care, with all possible discretion, that these frequent and long
conversations might not be attended with any dangerous consequences:
with pleasure she accepted the commission, and greatly flattered herself
with success.

She had already made all necessary advances to gain possession of her
confidence and friendship; and Miss Temple, less suspicious of her
than of Lord Rochester, made all imaginable returns. She was greedy of
praise, and loved all manner of sweetmeats, as much as a child of nine
or ten years old: her taste was gratified in both these respects. Miss
Hobart having the superintendence of the duchess's baths, her apartment
joined them, in which there was a closet stored with all sorts of
sweetmeats and liqueurs: the closet suited Miss Temple's taste, as
exactly as it gratified Miss