I rose the next morning more early than I had been for the most part accustomed to do, in order to prepare for the two visits I intended to make; but in spite of all the expedition I could practice, I found myself obliged to postpone either the one or other 'till another day.

So much time was elapsed, first in transcribing what I had been witness of at lady Playfeild's, and then in getting the dialogues engrav'd on my Tables expunged by the pure fingers of my yet unpolluted virgin, that when all was ready the clock wanted but a very few minutes of striking twelve.

I hesitated not whether I should go to lady Allmode's or to Ismena; for besides being very much prepossess'd in favour of the latter, I did not doubt of meeting with something of more consequence in her interview with sir Charles Fairlove than I could expect to find in any discourse between lady Allmode and her daughter; – I went thither in a lucky time, – sir Charles Fairlove was just stepping out of his chair when I came to the door, – I followed him up stairs, and Ismena received him with a great deal of gaiety, but accompany'd with an equal air of modesty; – as soon as they were seated, she said to him:

Ismena. Your money was very fortunate to me, sir Charles, I did not lose one guinea after I became your borrower.

Sir Charles Fairlove. Madam, I congratulate myself for being so happy to serve you, tho' on so insignificant an occasion; – but should be better pleased to have it in my power to do so in much greater things.

Ismena. I doubt not of your generousity to persons in distress, and if ever I am reduced to the same exigence again, it is likely may have recourse to the same hand for relief; – in the mean time, sir Charles, permit me to return the favour you have already conferr'd upon me.