for this lady.
Cunning women and witches we read of without number. But I fancy wisdom
never entered into the character of a woman. It is not a requisite of
the sex. Women, indeed, make better sovereigns than men: but why is
that?--because the women-sovereigns are governed by men; the men-
sovereigns by women.--Charming, by my soul! For hence we guess at the
rudder by which both are steered.

But to putting wisdom out of the question, and to take cunning in; that
is to say, to consider woman as a woman; what shall we do, if this lady
has something extraordinary in her head? Repeated charges has she given
to Wilson, by a particular messenger, to send any letter directed for her
the moment it comes.

I must keep a good look-out. She is not now afraid of her brother's
plot. I shan't be at all surprised, if Singleton calls upon Miss Howe,
as the only person who knows, or is likely to know, where Miss Harlowe
is; pretending to have affairs of importance, and of particular service
to her, if he can but be admitted to her speech--Of compromise, who
knows, from her brother?

Then will Miss Howe warn her to keep close. Then will my protection be
again necessary. This will do, I believe. Any thing from Miss Howe
must.

Joseph Leman is a vile fellow with her, and my implement. Joseph, honest
Joseph, as I call him, may hang himself. I have played him off enough,
and have very little further use for him. No need to wear one plot to
the stumps, when I can find new ones every hour.

Nor blame me for the use I make of my talents. Who, that hath such, will
let 'em be idle?

Well, then, I will find a Singleton; that's all I have to do.

Instantly find one!--Will!

Sir--

This moment call me hither thy cousin Paul Wheatly, just come from sea,
whom thou wert recommending to my service, if I were to marry, and keep
a pleasure-boat.

Presto--Will's gone--Paul will be here presently. Presently to Mrs.
Howe's. If Paul be Singleton's mate, coming from his captain, it will do
as well as if it were Singleton himself.

Sally, a little devil, often reproaches me with the slowness of my
proceedings. But in a play does not the principal entertainment lie in
the first four acts? Is not all in a manner over when you come to the
fifth? And what a vulture of a man must he be, who souses upon his prey,
and in the same moment trusses and devours?

But to own the truth. I have overplotted myself. To my make my work
secu