1bIARGARRT GODOLPHIN, speaking of plays, and laughing at devout persons ; well, I will laugh at myself for my impertinencies, that by degrees I may come to wonder why anybody does like me, and divert the discourse, and talk of God and morality ; avoid these personswhen Icome into the drawing-room ; go not to the Duchess of Monmouth above once a week, except when we dress to rehearse, and then carry a book along with me to read when I don't act, and come away before supper. Talk little when there ; if they talk of anybody I can't commend, hold my peace, what jest soever they make ; be sure never to talk to the King." Margaret was about eighteen when she lost her beloved mother, who, although she was so conscien- tious a Christian, on being apprised of her ap- proaching death, was " at first surprised and very unwilling." Happily, " she was afterwards resigned," writes Margaret in her Diary, " received often, prayed much, had holy things read to her, delighted in heavenly discourse, desired to be dissolved and be with Christ, and ended her life cheerfully and without pain." Immediately after this irreparable loss, Margaret's kind mistress, the Duchess, was also seized with her last illness. She had been suffering much from indisposition for some time ; and our gentle, loving maid of honour nursed her " with an extraordinary sedulity." Even when none of the other attendants were able to endure the fatigue of nursing or sitting up, she remained ministering to the wants of the 18
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