says she, my business with you, is to know whether I shall receive any ill treatment from him, how many children I shall have, and whether my _intentions_ will be _thoroughly answered_ by marrying this young gentleman, for I am resolved upon that, and the marriage writings are bespoke. Madam, says the doctor, I will resolve you presently; upon which he turned to his book, and after casting the necessary figures for information, told the lady, she might depend upon receiving no _male-treatment_ from her intended spouse: that all her _reasonable_ expectations would be answered, such as having the credit of one of the handsomest men in town for her husband, keep what company she pleased, go where she pleased; and in short, do what she pleased, as she did before marriage, for that her husband would never trouble her about any thing:—But, Sir, says the lady, you don’t speak of the other comforts I should expect, and which was my chief design in marriage.—All the other comforts of marriage, Madam, says the doctor; you will receive by _Proxy_.—_Proxy_, Sir! says the lady, what do you mean? Why, madam, replies the doctor, you will enjoy your husband’s company, at bed and board by _Proxy_, bear children by _Proxy_: Don’t tell me, Sir, interrupted this ancient virgin, of bearing children by _Proxy_, I look upon myself as capable of bearing Children as any young girl whatever, and assure you, Sir, I shall not desire any one to bear them for me, and so, Sir, your servant, and immediately hobbled down stairs repeating frequently as she went, the word _Proxy_.