638 WOFFINGTON. transport the next morning, praised her wit and ingenuity, and laughed heartily at his lordship's cullibility. The connexion between Mrs. Woffington and Garrick soon after this became more united. They kept house together; and, by agreement, each bore the monthly expenses alter nately. Macklin frequently made one at their social board, which was occasionally attended by some of the first wits of that time, particularly during Mrs. Woffington's month, which was always distinguished by a better table, and a greater run of good company. During this tender con nexion, they often performed together in the same scene, both in London and Dublin; but when Garrick became manager of Drury Lane, in the year 1747, he was not a little embarrassed in finding her one of the articled come dians of his partner, Mr. Lacy. She soon after quitted this theatre for Covent Garden, where for near four years, she shone unrivalled in the walks of elegance and humo rous comedy. In 1751, she left the London theatres for a very profitable engagement under Mr. Thomas Sheridan, who was at that time manager of Smock-alley house, and who, being an excellent judge himself of theatrical merit, was always liberal in cultivating the growth of distin guished talents. It was at this era that Woffington might have been said to have reached the acme of her fame— she was then in the bloom of her person, accomplishments, and profession; highly distinguished for her wit and viva city, with a charm of conversation that at once attracted the admiration of the men, and the envy of the women. Although her articles with the manager was but for 400l. yet by four of her characters, performed ten nights each that season, viz. Lady Townley, Maria (Nonjuror), Sir Harry Wildair, and Hermione, she brought 4000l. 1 The next year Sheridan enlarged her salary to 800l. and though it was to be imagined that her force to draw audiences must be weakened, yet the profits at closing the theatre did not fall short of more than 300l. of the first season. Her company off was equally sought for as on the stage, and she was the delight of some of the gravest and most
