When _Villenoys_ was at any time out, it was the custom of _Isabella_ to retire to her Chamber, and to receive no Visits, not even the Ladies, so absolutely she devoted her self to her Husband: All the first day she pass’d over in this manner, and Evening being come, she order’d her Supper to be brought to her Chamber, and, because it was Washing-day the next day, she order’d all her Maids to go very early to Bed, that they might be up betimes, and to leave only _Maria_ to attend her; which was accordingly done. This _Maria_ was a young Maid, that was very discreet, and, of all things in the World, lov’d her Lady, whom she had liv’d with, ever since she came from the _Monastery_. When all were in Bed, and the little light Supper just carry’d up to the Lady, and only, as I said, _Maria_ attending, some body knock’d at the Gate, it being about Nine of the Clock at Night; so _Maria_ snatching up a Candle, went to the Gate, to see who it might be; when she open’d the Door, she found a Man in a very odd Habit, and a worse Countenance, and asking, Who he would speak with? He told her, Her Lady: My Lady (reply’d _Maria_) does not use to receive Visits at this hour; Pray, what is your Business? He reply’d, That which I will deliver only to your Lady, and that she may give me Admittance, pray, deliver her this Ring: And pulling off a small Ring, with _Isabella’s_ Name and Hair in it, he gave it _Maria_, who, shutting the Gate upon him, went in with the Ring; as soon as _Isabella_ saw it, she was ready to swound on the Chair where she sate, and cry’d, Where had you this? _Maria_ reply’d, An old rusty Fellow at the Gate gave it me, and desired, it might be his Pasport to you; I ask’d his Name, but he said, You knew him not, but he had great News to tell you. _Isabella_ reply’d, (almost swounding again) Oh, _Maria!_ I am ruin’d. The Maid, all this while, knew not what she meant, nor, that that was a Ring given to _Henault_ by her Mistress, but endeavouring to recover her, only ask’d her, What she should say to the old Messenger? _Isabella_ bid her bring him up to her, (she had scarce Life to utter these last words) and before she was well recover’d, _Maria_ enter’d with the Man; and _Isabella_ making a Sign to her, to depart the Room, she was left alone with him.