dress,
and I could not only enumerate all the variety of silks, and distinguish
the product of a French loom, but dart my eye through a numerous
company, and observe every deviation from the reigning mode. I was
universally skilful in all the changes of expensive finery; but as every
one, they say, has something to which he is particularly born, was
eminently known in Brussels lace.

9. The next year saw me advanced to the trust and power of adjusting the
ceremonial of an assembly. All received their partners from my hand, and
to me every stranger applied for introduction. My heart now disdained
the instructions of a tutor, who was rewarded with a small annuity for
life, and left me qualified, in my own opinion, to govern myself.

10. In a short time I came to London, and as my father was well known
among the higher classes of life, soon; obtained admission to the most
splendid assemblies, and most crowded card-tables. Here I found myself
universally caressed and applauded, the ladies praised the fancy of my
clothes, the beauty of my form, and the softness of my voice;
endeavoured in every place to force themselves to my notice; and
incited, by a thousand oblique solicitations, my attendance at the
play-house, and my salutations in the park. I was now happy to the
utmost extent of my conception; I passed every morning in dress, every
afternoon in visits, and every night in some select assemblies, where
neither care nor knowledge were suffered to molest us.

11. After a few years, however, these delights became familiar, and I
had leisure to look round me with more attention. I then found that my
flatterers had very little power to relieve the languor of satiety, or
recreate weariness by varied amusement; and therefore endeavoured to
enlarge the sphere of my pleasures, and to try what satisfaction might
be found in the society of men. I will not deny the mortification with
which I perceived that every man whose name I had heard mentioned with
respect, received me with a kind of tenderness nearly bordering on
compassion; and that those whose reputation was not well established,
thought it necessary to justify their understandings, by treating me
with contempt. One of these witlings elevated his crest by asking me in
a full coffee-house the price of patches; and another whispered, that he
wondered Miss _Frisk_ did not keep me that afternoon to watch her
squirrel.

12. When I found myself thus hunted from all masculine