Mr. Senwill's behaviour won my whole heart, which did not pique itself upon being incapable of ever admitting a second object of its affections; and as I was grown desperate in the point of reputation, I no longer made myself a prisoner, but kept such company as I could, and went to public places in a moderate degree, tho’ with less satisfaction, as Mr. Senwill could not venture often to accompany me there.

One night that I was peculiarly happy in Mr. Senwill's being with me in the gallery at the play (for we went into that part of the house, in order to avoid being seen), I heard somebody come in with more than ordinary bustle, and sit down behind me; which tempted me to turn round, and my sister proved the person. I started with surprize; but much greater was her emotion, filled with horror, as she said, to think she was near so shameless a wretch; and gladly would she have fled, for fear of contagion; but the rows behind her had filled so fast, that she could not get away.

I saw no one with her but a youth, who was ’prentice to my father when I left him, and could not be out of his time.87 This excited my curiosity; and I expressed my surprize at seeing a person of her great prudence without any other companion.

‘Surely,’ replied she, ‘a woman cannot be in better company than with her husband: I wish you were in any so creditable.’ ‘Your husband!’ said I; ‘How can that be? I am sure my father could never consent to such a match.’

‘Well,’ answered my sister, ‘if he did not consent, I have, however, done no harm; for marriage is holy and honourable too: I wish no one of his family had done worse.’