But it is believed that she quitted or was taken from her profession--was "erept the stage," to employ old Downes's phrase--at an earlier date.

The famous Prince Rupert of the Rhine was her lover.

He bought for her, at a cost of L20,000, the once magnificent seat of Sir Nicholas Crispe, near Hammersmith, which afterwards became the residence of the Margrave of Brandenburg; and at a later date the retreat of Queen Caroline, the wife of George IV.

Ruperta, the daughter of Mrs.Hughes, was married to Lieutenant-General Howe, and, surviving her husband many years, died at Somerset House about 1740.

In the "Memoirs" of Count Grammont mention is found of Prince Rupert's passion for the actress.