After he had attentively considered her obstinate behaviour, he thought that writing might perhaps succeed, though ogling, speeches, and embassies had failed.  Paper receives everything, but it unfortunately happened that she would not receive the paper.  Every day billets, containing the tenderest expressions, and most magnificent promises, were slipped into her pockets, or into her muff:  this, however, could not be done unperceived; and the malicious little gipsy took care that those who saw them slip in, should likewise see them fall out, unperused and unopened; she only shook her muff, or pulled out her handkerchief; as soon as ever his back was turned, his billets fell about her like hail-stones, and whoever pleased might take them up.  The duchess was frequently a witness of this conduct, but could not find in her heart to chide her for her want of respect to the duke.  After this, the charms and prudence of Miss Jennings were the only subjects of conversation in the two courts:  the courtiers could not comprehend how a young creature, brought directly from the country to court, should so soon become its ornament by her attractions, and its example by her conduct.

The king was of opinion that those who had attacked her had ill-concerted their measures; for he thought it unnatural that she should neither be tempted by promises, nor gained by importunity:  she, especially, who in all probability had not imbibed such severe precepts from the prudence of her mother, who had never tasted any thing more delicious than the plums and apricots of Saint Albans.  Being resolved to try her himself, he was particularly pleased with the great novelty that appeared in the turn of her wit, and in the charms of her person; and curiosity, which at first induced him to make the trial, was soon changed into a desire of succeeding in the experiment.  God knows what might have been the consequence, for he greatly excelled in wit, and besides he was king:  two qualities of no small consideration.  The resolutions of the fair Jennings were commendable, and very judicious; but yet she was wonderfully pleased with wit; and royal majesty prostrate at the feet of a young person, is very persuasive.  Miss Stewart, however, would not consent to the king’s project.

She immediately took the alarm, and desired his majesty to leave to the duke, his brother, the care of tutoring the duchess’s maids of honour, and only to attend to the management of his own flock, unless his majesty would in return allow her to listen to certain proposals of a settlement which she did not think disadvantageous.  This menace being of a serious nature, the king obeyed; and Miss Jennings had all the additional honour which arose from this adventure:  it both added to her reputation, and increased the number of her admirers.  Thus she continued to triumph over the liberties of others without ever losing her own:  her hour was not yet come, but it was not far distant; the particulars of which we shall relate as soon as we have given some account of the conduct of her companion.