The Virginia Gazette

The Conversation at the West End of the Town turns chiefly upon the precarious Possessions of a certain travelling Duchess, occasioned by an ill timed Parsimony.

The Story is related of an old Woman having applied to her Grace, in Hopes of obtaining some Recompense for the Fidelity of her Silence; and on reminding the Noble Lady that she had been present at her Marriage with an Honourable Captain, previous to her ranking in the Line of Nobility, she was offered, as the ultimate Proposal, an Annuity of 20 l. a Year, in Consideration of her past Integrity, and as a Padlock to her Tongue in future.

This the Confidant refused, which transpired by Degrees, till it reached the Ears of the Heirs at Law of a deceased Duke, and it is now said that every Means will be tried by them to recover the noble Fortune which was bequeathed from them in Favour of this political Lady; and it seems there remains little Doubt of their Success, as the old Gentlewoman is enlisted in their Service, and has given ample Testimony of the prior Marriage.

Should this Evidence be properly authenticated, the Consequence will be a Recovery of the late Duke's whole Fortune, no such Person being admitted, agreeable to the Description in his Will; and what is still more seriously to be dreaded by the present Possessor, her Grace will become subject to a criminal Prosecution for having imposed on the dignified Clergy, in solemnly denying any prior legal Connections.