or at most, to what is generally
denominated the innocent part of an intrigue; but Killegrew, who wished
to surpass these trivial depositions, boldly declared that he had had
the honour of being upon the most intimate terms with her he was of a
sprightly and witty humour, and had the art of telling a story in the
most entertaining manner, by the graceful and natural turn he could
give it: he affirmed that he had found the critical minute in a certain
closet built over the water, for a purpose very different from that
of giving ease to the pains of love: that three or four swans had been
witnesses to his happiness, and might perhaps have been witnesses to the
happiness of many others, as the lady frequently repaired to that place,
and was particularly delighted withhe left her there sound asleep: his conversation at table would
have been very brisk, if Mrs. Wetenhall had been as great a proficient
in divinity, or as great a lover of controversy, as he was; but being
neither learned in the former, nor desirous of the latter, silence
reigned at their table, as absolutely as at a refectory.

She had often expressed a great desire to see London; but though they
were only distant a very short day's journey from it, she had never been
able to satisfy her curiosity: it was not therefore without reason,
that she grew weary of the life she was forced to lead at Peckham. The
melancholy retired situation of the place was to her insupportable;
and as she had the folly, incident to many other women, of believing
sterility to be a