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¬promised to introduce me to several great ladies, who, it seems, were to be found within their own houses once in every year, some of the greatest even twice — this phenomenon, he said, had been made known throughout the whole city, by beating against the doors of all persons of condition with an immense ham- mer that moves upon a hinge; and that his own gate having been split a week ago, when the proclamations were left at his house, he thought it was a most fortunate opportunity to present me. ¬Having heard so much of the beauty and accomplishments of the women of Armata, and this manner of approach to them being so ex- traordinary and, in point of time, so critical, I confess the hours lingered with me till mid- night, when he said it might be as well to go, as the principal lady, who lived besides at several miles distant, being a great invalid, kept very early hours. We set out, therefore, soon after twelve, and after driving through many ¬f 2 streets ¬
