That novels of intrigue, even without the tinsel of court dress and the romance of French or Spanish setting, were acceptable to Eliza Haywood's public is shown by the two parts of "The Masqueraders: or, Fatal Curiosity" (1724-5), which in the most luscious language of passion narrate the philanderings of a "charming Rover" called Dorimenus, "whose real Name, for some Reasons, I shall conceal."

"Oh, I can spend the afternoon philandering so long as I catch the night train to Liverpool," Capper answered promptly.

And in addition there was the omnipresent horror of having Abigail unearth his philandering.