Page:Modern Literature Volume 3 (1804).djvu/122

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and affliction, I could perceive that O'Blackleg thoroughly knew the footing on which the nobleman and I had been. On coming to town for the winter, O'Blackleg paid me very close attention, and found means to raise money upon my jewels; and, in short, so ingratiated himself in my favour, that he succeeded as my lover. I was now a confidential member of the gaming society at Lady Cheatwell's and her friends; and could tell you of many instances both of married and unmarried women, who have been seduced into profligacy, from the morals of the gaming circles, and the difficulties from gaming losses; but I do not propose to mitigate my own unworthiness by pleading the example of others.

Vain is the idea of long persistence in vice without discovery. The change of female conduct from rectitude to profligacy generally affects the outward man-