When I had read this Letter, I found that half my work was done to my
hand, for I was resolved to write to this woman, and now having a fit
opportunity I writ as followeth.
Madam,
S_ome months ago I had occasion to lay out some money in some Stuff, and
my good fortune guiding me to your Shop, I there not only saw, but
pitied you, for that I saw you were wedded to one more fit to be your
Father than Husband; that pity begot love, and that so violent, that I
knew not how to suppress it, I thought it might be possible to be
favourably receiv’d by you, but knew not how to make my Addresses to
you, lest your honour should be brought in question, I therefore waited
all opportunities, and at length found one, the most lucky that could
befal; for my friend_ Mounsieur N. _being absent and a Letter of yours
coming into my hands, I had a great curiosity to see it, doubting that
it was, what indeed I found it to be, a Letter of Love; but when I found
that it was from you, and that thereby was a particular appointment for
him to come to you; I was mightily pleas’d, and you may judge the great
satisfaction I receiv’d. My love towards you being so violent, I was
resolv’d to hazard my friendship to him, and rather than fail, be a
Traitor; and indeed, what would I not have done, to have had the
happiness of enjoying you? Therefore Madam, knowing his absence would be
absolutely necessary, it was I that fram’d that Letter which caused his
Journey, and thereby I had the happiness in his stead to be well used by
you and now Madam, you may unfold the Riddle, but I hope you are so
discreet as to conceal the truth of this Adventure, which were it
discovered, would be of dangerous consequence, not only to us both, but
also to your own Reputation; I judge you will conceal it, and hope you
will give me other opportunities of waiting on you, when I shall
acquaint you particularly how I came by that Letter and this; Thus
hoping that I may enjoy the second place if not the first in your
esteem, I rest_