of
person I liked than anybody else could possibly have done, and therefore
did not think it necessary to make you that description too. Those that
I reckoned up were only such as I could not be persuaded to have upon no
terms, though I had never seen such a person in my life as Mr. Temple:
not but that all those may make very good husbands to some women; but
they are so different from my humour that 'tis not possible we should
ever agree; for though it might be reasonably enough expected that I
should conform mine to theirs (to my shame be it spoken), I could never
do it. And I have lived so long in the world, and so much at my own
liberty, that whosoever has me must be content to take me as they find
me, without hope of ever making me other than I am. I cannot so much as
disguise my humour. When it was designed that I should have had Sir
Jus., my brother used to tell he was confident that, with all his
wisdom, any woman that had wit and discretion might make an ass of him,
and govern him as she pleased. I could not deny that possibly it might
be so, but 'twas that I was sure I could never do; and though 'tis
likely I should have forced myself to so much compliance as was
necessary for a reasonable wife, yet farther than that no design could
ever have carried me; and I could not have flattered him into a belief
that I admired him, to gain more than he and all his generation are
worth.

'Tis such an ease (as you say) not to be solicitous to please others: in
earnest, I am no more concerned whether people think me handsome or
ill-favoured, whether they think I have wit or that I have none, than I
am whether they think my name Elizabeth or Dorothy. I would do nobody no
injury; but I should never design to please above one; and that one I
must love too, or else I should think it a trouble, and consequently not
do it. I have made a general confession to you; will you give me
absolution? Methinks you should; for you are not much better by your own
relation; therefore 'tis easiest to forgive one another. When you hear
anything from your father, remember that I am his humble servant, and
much concerned in his good health.

I am yours.

_Letter 38._--Lady Isabella is Lady Isabella Rich, my Lady Diana's
eldest sister. She married Sir James Thynne. Many years ago she had an
intrigue with the Duke of Ormond, by whom she had a son, but Dorothy
speaks, I think, of some later scandal than this.

My Lady Pembroke was the daugh