“It is to be hoped that the legislature will in due time take this kind of robbery into consideration, and not suffer men to prey upon each other when they are about making the most solemn league, and entering into the strictest bonds.  The only sure remedy is to fix a certain rate on every woman’s fortune, one price for that of a maid, and another for that of a widow:  for it is of infinite advantage, that there should be no frauds or uncertainties in the sale of our women.”

Unless Montagu were tactless beyond the general, the position as regards himself and Lord Dorchester must indeed have been hopeless before he inspired the paper in the Tatler on settlements.  Anyhow, Montagu, who was used to having his way, and was probably very cross at being thwarted on this occasion, would not yield a step; and Lord Dorchester maintained his attitude that philosophic theories were all very well in their way, but he would not sanction a marriage that involved the risk of his grandchildren being left beggars.

Lady Mary was powerless in the matter, but, although her father said there was no engagement between her and Montagu, the young people continued their correspondence with unabated vigour.

“I am going to comply with your request, and write with all the plainness I am capable of,” she replied in November, 1710, to one of Montagu’s effusions.  “I know what may be said upon such a proceeding, but am sure you will not say it.  Why should you always put the worst construction upon my words?  Believe me what you will, but do not believe I can be ungenerous or ungrateful.  I wish I could tell you what answer you will receive from some people, or upon what terms.  If my opinion could sway, nothing should displease you.  Nobody ever was so disinterested as I am.  I would not have to reproach myself (I don’t suppose you would) that I had any way made you uneasy in your circumstances.  Let me beg you (which I do with the utmost sincerity) only to consider yourself in this affair; and, since I am so unfortunate to have nothing in my own disposal, do not think I have any hand in making settlements.  People in my way are sold like slaves; and I cannot tell what price my master will put on me.  If you do agree, I shall endeavour to contribute, as much as lies in my power, to your happiness.  I so heartily despise a great figure, I have no notion of spending money so foolishly; though one had a great deal to throw away.  If this breaks off, I shall not complain of you:  and as, whatever happens, I shall still preserve the opinion you have behaved yourself well.  Let me entreat you, if I have committed any follies, to forgive them; and be so just to think I would not do an ill thing.”

Shortly afterwards, Lady Mary wrote again to Montagu.  “I have tried to write plainly,” she said; and she did not have to reproach herself with failure.  It had now come to a struggle for mastery, and she would not yield a foot of her ground.