This experienced proficient in the obstetric art was therefore
kept in close attendance for the space of three weeks, during which
the patient had several returns of what she pleased herself with
believing to be labour pains, till at length, she and her husband
became the standing joke of the parish; and this infatuated couple
could scarce be prevailed upon to part with their hope, even when
she appeared as lank as a greyhound, and they were furnished with
other unquestionable proofs of their having been deceived. But
they could not for ever remain under the influence of this sweet
delusion, which at last faded away, and was succeeded by a paroxysm
of shame and confusion, that kept the husband within-doors for the
space of a whole fortnight, and confined his lady to her bed for a
series of weeks, during which she suffered all the anguish of the
most intense mortification; yet even this was subdued by the lenient
hand of time.

The first respite from her chagrin was employed in the strict discharge
of what are called the duties of religion, which she performed with
the most rancorous severity, setting on foot a persecution in her
own family, that made the house too hot for all the menial servants,
even ruffled the almost invincible indifference of Tom Pipes,
harassed the commodore himself out of all patience, and spared
no individual but Lieutenant Hatchway, whom she never ventured to
disoblige.