Anne, Lady Halkett
Anne, Lady Halkett, comments on going to the theatre unescorted by a man, in her Autobiography (c.1677–78).
What my childish actions were I think I need not give account of here, for I hope none will think they could be either vicious or scandalous. And from that time till the year 1644 I may truly say all my converse was so innocent that my own heart cannot challenge me with any immodesty, either in thought or behaviour, or an act of disobedience to my mother, to whom I was so observant that as long as she lived I do not remember that I made a visit to the nearest neighbour or went anywhere without her liberty. And so scrupulous I was of giving any occasion to speak of me, as I know they did of others, that though I loved well to see plays and to walk in the Spring Garden sometimes (before it grew something scandalous by the abuse of some), yet I cannot remember three times that ever I went with any man besides my brothers; and if I did, my sisters or others better than myself was with me. And I was the first that proposed and practised it, for three or four of us going together without any man, and everyone paying for themselves by giving the money to the footman who waited on us, and he gave it out at the playhouse. And this I did first upon hearing some gentlemen telling what ladies they had waited on to plays, and how much it had cost them; upon which I resolved none should say the same of me.
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