y, from so
long a struggle and frequent fret in that ever sensible part; but,
in the first place, I had no taste for the person I was suffering the
embraces of, on a pure mercenary account; and then, I was not entirely
delighted with myself for the jade's part I was playing, whatever
excuses I might plead for my being brought into it; but then this
insensibility kept me so much the mistress of my mind and motions, that
I could the better manage so close a counterfeit, through the whole
scene of deception.

Recovered at length to a more shew of life, by his tender condolences,
kisses and embraces, I upbraided him, and reproached him with my ruin,
in such natural terms, as added to his satisfaction with himself, for
having accomplished it; and guessing, by certain observations of mine,
that it would be rather favourable to him, to spare him, when he some
time after, feebly enough, came on again to the assault, I resolutely
withstood any further endeavours, on a pretext that flattered his
prowess, of my being so violently hurt and sore, that I could not
possibly endure a fresh trial. He then graciously granted me a respite,
and the next morning soon after advancing, I got rid of further
importunity, till Mrs. Cole, being rung for by him, came in and was made
acquainted, in terms of the utmost joy and rapture, with his triumphant
certainty of my virtue, and the finishing stroke he had given it, in the
course of the night: of which, he added, she would see proof enough in
bloody characters, on the sheets.

You may guess how a woman of her turn of address and experience humoured
the jest, and played him off with mixed exclamations of shame, danger,
compassion for me, and of her being pleased that all was so well over:
in which last, I believe, she was certainly sincere. And now, as the
objection which she had represented as an invincible one, to me lying
the first night at his lodgings (which were studiously calculated for
freedom of intrigues), on the account of my maiden fears and terrors, at
the thought of going to a gentleman's chambers, and being alone with him
in bed, was surmounted, she pretended to persuade me, in favour to him,
that I should go there to him, whenever he pleased, and still keep up
all the necessary appearances of working with her, that I might not
lose, with my character, the prospect of getting a good husband, and
at the same time her house would be kept safer from scandal. All this
seemed so reaso