But, during this dream of pleasure, Mr. King received a letter, informing him, that the woman who resided at his house, and was married to his brother-in-law, was an impostor, that she had already been married to two husbands, and had eloped with all the money she could lay her hands on: and that the writer said nothing but what could be proved by the most unquestionable evidence in a court of justice. The consequence was, that a prosecution was instituted against her for polygamy; but from insufficient evidence she was acquitted.
She was then introduced as an actress among the players, and by them supported for some time. Upon the strength of her popularity the house was often crowded, and the public curiosity was excited by a woman who had made such a figure in the world, and was receiving great applause in her dramatic capacity. She generally appeared in characters suited to her habits of life, and those scenes which had been rendered familiar to her by former deception and intrigues. But what tended chiefly to promote her fame, was a play called the “German Princess,” written principally upon her account, in which she spoke the following prologue in such a manner as gained universal applause.
I’ve passed one trial, but it is my fear
I shall receive a rigid sentence here:
You think me a bold cheat, but case ’twere so,
Which of you are not? Now you’d swear, I know;
But do not, lest that you deserve to be
Censured worse than you can censure me;
The world’s a cheat, and we that move in it
In our degrees do exercise our wit;
And better ’tis to get a glorious name,
However got, than live by common fame.
The Princess had too much mercury in her constitution to remain long within the bounds of a theatre, when London itself was too limited for her volatile disposition. She did not, however, leave the theatre until she had procured many admirers. Her history was well known, as well as her accomplishments and her gallantry, and introduced her into company. She was easy of access, but in society carried herself with an affected air of indifference.
There were two young beaux, in particular, who had more money in their pockets than wit in their heads; and from the scarcity of that commodity in themselves, they the more admired her wit and humor. She encouraged their addresses until she had extracted about three hundred pounds from each of them, and then observing their funds were nearly exhausted, discarded them both, saying, she was astonished at their impudence, in making love to a princess!
Her next lover was an old gentleman about fifty, who saw her, and though he was acquainted with her history, nevertheless resolved to be at the expense of some hundreds a year, provided she would consent to live with him. To gain his purpose he sent her several rich presents, which, with seeming reluctance, she accepted. When they commenced living together as man and wife, she so accommodated herself to his temper and disposition that he was constantly making her rich presents, which were always accepted with apparent reluctance, as laying her under so many obligations. In this manner they continued, until her doating lover one evening coming home intoxicated, she thought it a proper opportunity to decamp. So soon as he was asleep, she rifled his pockets, and found his pocket-book, containing a bill for a hundred pounds, and some money. She also stripped him of his watch, and, taking his keys, opened his coffers, and carried off every thing that suited her purpose. She next went and presented the bill, and, as the acceptor knew her, received the money without hesitation.
Having thus fleeced her old lover, our German princess took up lodgings in a convenient place, under the character of a young lady with a thousand pounds, whose father was able to give her twice as much: but disliking a person whom he had provided as a husband for her, she had left her father’s house, and did not wish to be discovered by any of her friends. Madame now continued to have different letters sent her from time to time, containing an account of all the news concerning her father and lover. These were left carelessly about the room, and her landlady reading them, became confirmed in the belief of her story.
This woman had a rich nephew, a young man, who, having been introduced to her acquaintance, became enamored of her, and to gain her favor presented her with a gold watch, which she could hardly be prevailed upon to accept. Her lover already thought the door of paradise open to him, and their amour proceeded with all the mutual felicity that young lovers can expect or desire. But in this season of bliss, a porter knocked at the door with a letter. Her maid, as previously directed, brought the letter in to her, which she had no sooner read, than she exclaimed, “I am undone! I am ruined!”—and pretended to swoon away. The scent bottle was employed, and her enraptured lover was all kindness and attention. When she was a little recovered, she presented the letter, saying, “Sir, since you are at last acquainted with most of my concerns, I shall not make a secret of this; therefore, if you please, read this letter and know the occasion of my affliction.” The young gentleman received it, and read as follows:
“Dear Madam,
“I have several times taken my pen in my hand, on purpose to write you, and as often laid it aside again, for fear of giving you more trouble than you already labor under. However, as the affair so immediately concerns you, I cannot in justice hide what I tremble to disclose, but must in duty tell you the worst of news, whatever may be the consequence of my so doing.