to be found in her bed-chamber at an unseasonable hour; for which she makes this apology.  ’Lovers of learning I am sure will pardon me, as I solemnly declare, it was the attractive charms of a new book, which the gentleman would not lend me, but consented to stay till I read it through, that was the sole motive of my detaining him.’  This indeed is a poor evasion; and as Mrs. Pilkington has said no more in favour of her innocence, they must have great charity indeed with whom she can stand exculpated.

While the gentleman was with her, the servants let in twelve men at the kitchen window, who, though they might, as she avers, have opened the chamber door, chose rather to break it to pieces, and took both her and the gentleman prisoners.  Her husband now told her, that she must turn out of doors; and taking hold of her hand, made a present of it to the gentleman, who could not in honour refuse to take her, especially as his own liberty was to be procured upon no other terms.  It being then two o’clock in the morning, and not knowing where to steer, she went home with her gallant:  but she sincerely assures us, that neither of them entertained a thought of any thing like love, but sat like statues ’till break of day.

The gentleman who was found with her, was obliged to fly, leaving a letter and five guineas inclosed in it for her.  She then took a lodging in some obscure street, where she was persecuted by infamous women, who were panders to men of fortune.

In the mean time Mr. Pilkington carried on a vigorous prosecution against her in the Spiritual Court; during which, as she says, he solemnly declared, he would allow her a maintainance, if she never gave him any opposition:  but no sooner had he obtained a separation, than he retracted every word he had said on that subject.  Upon this she was advised to lodge an appeal, and as every one whom he consulted, assured him he would be cast, he made a proposal of giving her a small annuity, and thirty pounds[2] in money; which, in regard to her children, she chose to accept, rather than ruin their father.  She was with child at the time of her separation, and when her labour came on, the woman where she lodged insisted upon doubling her rent:  whereupon she was obliged to write petitionary letters, which were not always successful.

Having passed the pains and peril of childbirth, she begged of Mr. Pilkington to send her some money to carry her to England; who, in hopes of getting rid of her, sent her nine pounds.  She was the more desirous to leave Ireland, as she found her character sinking every day with the public.  When she was on board the yacht, a gentleman of figure in the gay world took an opportunity of making love to her, which she rejected with some indignation.  ’Had I (said she) accepted the offers he made me, poverty had never approached me.  I dined with him at Parkgate, and I hope virtue will be rewarded; for though I had but five guineas in the world to carry me to London,