She therefore had no regrets for the past: and he was
entirely happy in the present, so that he boasted of his
felicities to all acquaintance, in general, and to his friend the
Duke of Buckingham in particular. It was Killigrew's constant
habit to sup with his grace, on which occasions his conversation
invariably turned on her ladyship, when, his imagination being
heated by wine, he freely endowed her with the perfections of a
goddess. To such descriptions the duke could not listen unmoved;
and therefore resolved to judge for himself if indeed the
countess was such a model of loveliness as Killigrew represented.
Accordingly, at the first opportunity which presented itself, the
duke made love to her, and she, nothing averse to his attentions,
encouraged his affections. Killigrew was much aggrieved at this
unexpected turn of affairs, and bitterly reproached the countess;
but she, being mistress of the situation, boldly denied all
knowledge of him.
This was more than he expected or could endure, and he
consequently abused her roundly in all companies, characterizing
the charms of which he once boasted as faults he could not
endure; ridiculing her airs, and denouncing her conduct. Reports
of his comments and discourses speedily reached Lady Shrewsbury's
ears; and he was privately warned that if he did not desist means
would be taken to silence him effectually. Not being wise enough
to accept this hint he continued to vilify her.
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