positive promise to
comply with his former desire. I told him I would hazard everything to
make him happy; but could not, with any regard to my duty, take such a
step without the knowledge of my parent; or, if I were so inclined, it
would be impracticable to elude his vigilance and suspicion. However,
he employed such pathetic remonstrances, and retained such a powerful
advocate within my own breast, that, before we parted, I assured him my
whole power should be exerted for his satisfaction; and he signified his
resolution of sitting up all night, in expectation of seeing me at his
lodgings.

"He had no sooner retired, than I went into the next room, and
desired my father to fix a day for the marriage; in which case I would
cheerfully wait upon him into the country; whereas, should he deny
my request, on pretence of staying for the consent of my mother's
relations, which was very uncertain, I would seize the first opportunity
of marrying Lord W--, cost what it would. He consented to the match,
but would not appoint a day for the ceremony, which he proposed to defer
until all parties should be agreed; and such a favourable crisis, I
feared, would never happen.

"I therefore resolved within myself to gratify my lover's expectation,
by eloping, if possible, that very night; though the execution of this
plan was extremely difficult, because my father was upon the alarm,
and my own maid, who was my bedfellow, altogether in his interest.
Notwithstanding these considerations, I found means to engage one of
the housemaids in my behalf, who bespoke a hackney-coach, to be kept in
waiting all night; and to bed I went with my Abigail, whom, as I had not
closed an eye, I waked about five in the morning, and sent to pack up
some things for our intended journey.

"While she was thus employed, I got up, and huddled on my clothes,
standing upon my pillow, lest my father, who lay in the chamber below,
should hear me afoot, and suspect my design. Having dressed myself with
great despatch and disorder, I flounced downstairs, stalking as heavily
as I could tread, that he might mistake me for one of the servants; and
my confederate opening the door, I sallied out into the street, though
I knew not which way to turn; and, to my unspeakable mortification,
neither coach nor chair appeared.

"Having travelled on foot a good way, in hope of finding a convenience,
and being not only disappointed in that particular, but also bewildered
in my p