duct will much better declare my Sentiments, than any Profeſſions I can now make. I beg leave to aſſure you, Sir, that I take your Advice much kinder, than your generous Offer with which you concluded it. For as you are pleaſed to ſay, Sir, it is an Inſtance of your Opinion of my Underſtanding’—Here her Tears flowing apace, ſhe ſtopped a few Moments, and then proceeded thus, ‘Indeed, Sir, your Kindneſs overcomes me; but I will endeavour to deſerve this good Opinion; for if I have the Underſtanding you are ſo kindly pleaſed to allow me, ſuch Advice cannot be thrown away upon me. I thank you, Sir, heartily, for your intended Kindneſs to my poor helpleſs Child; he is innocent, and I hope will live to be grateful for all the Favours you ſhall ſhew him. But now, Sir, I muſt on my Knees intreat you, not to perſiſt in aſking me to declare the Father of my Infant. I promiſe you faithfully, you ſhall one Day know; but I am under the moſt ſolemn Ties and Engagements of Honour, as well as the moſt religious Vows and Proteſtations, to conceal his Name at this Time. And I know you too well to think you would deſire I ſhould ſacrifice either my Honour, or my Religion.’
Mr. All-
