incerity has affirmed it? But then you know that I am not now
capable of profiting by my perfidy, were I even to gain Miss Temple's
compliance, since my debauches and the street-walkers have brought me to
order."

This answer made Miss Sarah very easy, for she concluded that the first
article was not true, since she knew from experience that the latter
was false. Lord Rochester was resolved that very evening to attend the
duchess's court, to see what reception he would meet with after the fine
portrait Miss Hobart had been so kind as to draw of him. Miss Temple did
not fail to be there likewise, with the intention of looking on him with
the most contemptuous disdain possible, though she had taken care to
dress herself as well as she could. As she supposed that the lampoon
Miss Hobart had sung to her was in everybody's possession, she was under
great embarrassment lest all those whom she met should think her such
a monster as Lord Rochester had described her. In the mean time, Miss
Hobart, who had not much confidence in her promises never more to speak
to him, narrowly watched her. Miss Temple never in her life appeared so
handsome every person complimented her upon it; but she received all
the civilities with such an air, that every one thought she was mad; for
when they commended her shape, her fresh complexion, and the brilliancy
of her eyes: "Pshaw," said she, "it is very well known that I am but a
monster, and formed in no respect like other women: all is not gold
that glisters; and though I may receive some compliments in public, it
signifies nothing." All Miss Hobart's endeavours to stop her tongue were
ineffectual; and continuing to rail at herself ironically, the whole
court was puzzled to comprehend her meaning.

When Lord Rochester came in, she first blushed, then turned pale, made
a motion to go towards him, drew back again, pulled her gloves one
after the other up to the elbow; and after having three times violently
flirted her fan, she waited until he paid his compliments to her as
usual, and as soon as he began to bow, the fair one immediately turned
her back upon him. Rochester only smiled, and being resolved that her
resentment should be still more remarked, he turned round and posting
himself face to face: "Madam," said he, "nothing can be so glorious as
to look so charming as you do, after such a fatiguing day: to support
a ride of three long hours, and Miss Hobart afterwards, without being
tired, sho