Miss Portman did not in the least comprehend her, till she added, “I’m sure you’ll allow that ‘tis better for a lady to lose her leg than her reputation--and for my part I’d rather be caught in a man trap, than have a man caught in my bedchamber. My service to your friend, Lady Delacour, and tell her so.” “And do you know who that gentleman was, that you saw in her ladyship’s room?” “Not I, not yet; but I’ll make it my business to find out. I give you fair notice; I’m a very devil when provoked. Why didn’t you make me your friend when you could?--You’ll not baffle me. I have seen all I wanted, and I am capable of painting all I saw. As to who the man might be, that’s no matter; one Lothario is as good as another for my purpose.” Longer had Mrs. Freke spoken with malignant triumph, had she not been interrupted by a burst of laughter from the surgeon. Her vexation was indescribable when he informed her, that he was the man whom she had seen in Lady Delacour’s bedchamber, and whom she had mistaken for a favoured lover. Mrs. Freke’s leg was much cut and bruised; and now that she was no longer supported by the hopes of revenge, she began to lament loudly and incessantly the injury that she had sustained. She impatiently inquired how long it was probable that she should be confined by this accident; and she grew quite outrageous when it was hinted, that the beauty of her legs would be spoiled, and that she would never more be able to appear to advantage in man’s apparel. The dread of being seen by Lady Delacour in the deplorable yet ludicrous situation to which she had reduced herself operated next upon her mind, and every time the door of the apartment opened, she looked with terror towards it, expecting to see her ladyship appear. But though Lady Delacour heard from Marriott immediately the news of Mrs. Freke’s disaster, she never disturbed her by her presence. She was too generous to insult a fallen foe. Early in the morning Mrs. Freke was by her own desire conveyed to her cousin’s house, where without regret we shall leave her to suffer the consequences of her frolic.