On one of the many occasions on which her husband had personally ill-treated her, he had struck her a blow which had produced very remarkable nervous results.

She had lain insensible many days together, and had recovered with the total loss of her speech.

In addition to this objection, she was odd, at times, in her manner; and she made it a condition of accepting any situation, that she should be privileged to sleep in a room by herself As a set-off against all this, it was to be said, on the other side of the question, that she was sober; rigidly honest in all her dealings; and one of the best cooks in England.

In consideration of this last merit, the late Sir Thomas had decided on giving her a trial, and had discovered that he had never dined in his life as he dined when Hester Dethridge was at the head of his kitchen.

She remained after his death in his widow's service.