It is certain, that for a time this new gallant behaved with the extremest fondness towards her—did every thing the most ardent lover could do to please her—he treated her—carried her to all publick places of entertainment—and, what in her present circumstances was most necessary to her, was continually making her very rich and valuable presents.
But it could not be expected that an amour, entered into in this manner, and which had no solid esteem on either side for it's foundation, would be of any long continuance; the gentleman had a great deal of good-nature, but was gay and inconstant as the most variable of his sex—he found a new charm in every face that presented itself to him; and, as he wanted no requisites to please the fair, he too seldom failed in his attempts upon them.
Miss Flora was not ignorant that he had many amusements of this kind, even while he kept up the most tender correspondence with her; but perceiving that reproaches and complaints were equally in vain with a man of his humour, she had the cunning to forbear persecuting him with either; and by appearing always easy, degagée, and unconcerned, preserved her acquaintance with him, and received proofs of his liberality long after she had lost those of his inclination.
On being told that he was going on a party of pleasure into the south of France, she exercised all her wit and artifice to engage him to permit her to be one of the company; but he treated this request as a mere bagatelle—said the thing was utterly impracticable—that none of the gentlemen took any ladies with them—so he would not have her think of it.
It was in order to take her leave of him before his departure, that she was going to his lodgings when Lady Mellasin had sent for her into the Park.
The cool reception he had given her, sent her home in a very ill-humour, which was greatly heighted by a letter which she found Mrs. Prinks had left for her on the table.
That woman having joined her lady in the Park, and consulted together what was to be done, they took a hackney-coach, and drove to an obscure part of the town, where they hired lodgings in a feigned name; after which Mrs. Prinks hurried home, packed up what cloaths and other necessaries she thought would be immediately wanted; and, after having wrote a short account to Miss Flora of the misfortune that had happened, and given her directions where to come, returned, with all haste, to her disconsolate lady.