But is not wine itself an opiate in degree?—­How many women have been taken advantage of by wine, and other still more intoxicating viands?—­ Let me tell thee, Jack, that the experience of many of the passive sex, and the consciences of many more of the active, appealed to, will testify that thy Lovelace is not the worst of villains.  Nor would I have thee put me upon clearing myself by comparisons.

If she escape a settled delirium when my plots unravel, I think it is all I ought to be concerned about.  What therefore I desire of thee, is, that, if two constructions may be made of my actions, thou wilt afford me the most favourable.  For this, not only friendship, but my own ingenuousness, which has furnished thee with the knowledge of the facts against which thou art so ready to inveigh, require of thee.

***

Will. is just returned from an errand to Hampstead; and acquaints me, that Mrs. Townsend was yesterday at Mrs. Moore’s, accompanied by three or four rough fellows; a greater number (as supposed) at a distance.  She was strangely surprised at the news that my spouse and I are entirely reconciled; and that two fine ladies, my relations, came to visit her, and went to town with her:  where she is very happy with me.  She was sure we were not married, she said, unless it was while we were at Hampstead:  and they were sure the ceremony was not performed there.  But that the lady is happy and easy, is unquestionable:  and a fling was thrown out by Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Bevis at mischief-makers, as they knew Mrs. Townsend to be acquainted with Miss Howe.

Now, since my fair-one can neither receive, nor send away letters, I am pretty easy as to this Mrs. Townsend and her employer.  And I fancy Miss Howe will be puzzled to know what to think of the matter, and afraid of sending by Wilson’s conveyance; and perhaps suppose that her friend slights her; or has changed her mind in my favour, and is ashamed to own it; as she has not had an answer to what she wrote; and will believe that the rustic delivered her last letter into her own hand.

Mean time I have a little project come into my head, of a new kind; just for amusement-sake, that’s all:  variety has irresistible charms.  I cannot live without intrigue.  My charmer has no passions; that is to say, none of the passions that I want her to have.  She engages all my reverence.  I am at present more inclined to regret what I have done, than to proceed to new offences:  and shall regret it till I see how she takes it when recovered.

Shall I tell thee my project?  ’Tis not a high one.—­’Tis this—­to get hither to Mrs. Moore, Miss Rawlins, and my widow Bevis; for they are desirous to make a visit to my spouse, now we are so happy together.  And, if I can order it right, Belton, Mowbray, Tourville, and I, will show them a little more of the ways of this wicked town, than they at present know.  Why should they be acquainted with a man of my character, and not be the better and wiser for it?—­I would have every body rail against rakes with judgment and knowledge, if they will rail.  Two of these women gave me a great deal of trouble:  and the third, I am confident, will forgive a merry evening.