It is strange, however, that with her beauty--for that she was in her early years beautiful has generally been accepted--she was not unduly attractive to men.

It may be that her good looks brought young men to her feet, and that her tongue drove them away.

In no age has a clever woman been very popular with the other sex, and in the early years of the eighteenth century, when girls could do little more than read and write--and not always so much--wit such as hers and the readiness of reply with which she was gifted must have been a deterrent.
What could the ordinary social butterfly think of a Lady Mary who had as a friend Mary Ansell, the author of a _Serious Proposal to Ladies--_ what, though perhaps not one of them had read the book?
Still, there was enough levity in Lady Mary's behaviour in society for her to think it desirable to make some explanation to Montagu.
"[Indorsed '9 April,' 1711.] "I thought to return no answer to your letter, but I find I am not so wise as I thought myself.

I cannot forbear fixing my mind a little on that expression, though perhaps the only insincere one in your whole letter--I would die to be secure of your heart, though but for a moment:--were this but true, what is there I would not do to secure you?
"I will state the case to you as plainly as I can; and then ask yourself if you use me well.

I have shewed, in every action of my life, an esteem for you that at least challenges a grateful regard.