I intended to have implored my father's consent, though I
had but faint hopes of obtaining it. But he was by some means or other
apprised of our design, before I could prevail upon myself to make him
acquainted with our purpose. I had danced with my lover at the ridotto
on the preceding evening, and there perhaps our eyes betrayed us.
Certain it is, several of Lord W--'s relations, who disapproved of the
match, came up and rallied him on his passion; Lord S--k, in particular,
used this remarkable expression, 'Nephew, as much love as you please,
but no matrimony.'"

"Next day, the priest being prepared, and the bridegroom waiting for me
at the appointed place, in all the transports of impatient expectation,
I was, without any previous warning, carried into the country by my
father, who took no notice of the intelligence he had received, but
decoyed me into the coach on pretence of taking the air; and, when we
had proceeded as far as Turnham Green, gave me to understand, that he
would dine in that place.

"There was no remedy. I was obliged to bear my disappointment, though
with an aching heart, and followed him up-stairs into an apartment,
where he told me he was minutely informed of my matrimonial scheme. I
did not attempt to disguise the truth, but assured him, while the tears
gushed from my eyes, that my want of courage alone had hindered me from
making him privy to my passion; though I owned, I should have married
Lord W--, even though he had disapproved of my choice. I reminded him of
the uneasy life I led at home, and frankly acknowledged, that I loved my
admirer too well to live without him; though, if he would favour me with
his consent, I would defer my intention, and punctually observe any day
he would fix for our nuptials. Meanwhile I begged he would permit me to
send a message to Lord W--, who was waiting in expectation of my coming,
and might, without such notice, imagine I was playing the jilt. He
granted this last request; in consequence of which I sent a letter to
my lover, who, when he received it, had almost fainted away, believing I
should be locked up in the country, and snatched for ever from his arms.
Tortured with these apprehensions, he changed clothes immediately, and,
taking horse, resolved to follow me whithersoever we should go.

"After dinner, we proceeded as far as Brentford, where we lay, intending
to be at my father's country house next night; and my admirer putting up
at the same inn,