orrespondence; whether out of real friendship for his
patron, or apprehension that in time I might supersede his own influence
with my lord, I shall not pretend to determine. Be that as it will, the
frost was so severe, that we were detained ten days at Calais before
we could get out of the harbour; and, during that time, I reflected
seriously on what my new lover proposed. As he was very young, and
unacquainted with the world, I thought my story might have escaped him;
and therefore determined to give him a faithful detail of the whole,
that he might not have anything to reproach me with in the sequel;
besides, I did not think it honest to engage him to do more for me
than he might afterwards perhaps think I was worth. Accordingly, I
communicated to him every particular of my life; and the narration,
far from altering his sentiments, rather confirmed his good opinion, by
exhibiting an undoubted proof of my frankness and sincerity. In short,
he behaved with such generosity, as made an absolute conquest of my
heart. But my love was of a different kind from that which had formerly
reigned within my breast, being founded upon the warmest gratitude and
esteem, exclusive of any other consideration, though his person was very
agreeable, and his address engaging.

"When we arrived in England, I went directly to his country seat, about
twelve miles from London, where he soon joined me, and we lived some
time in perfect retirement. His relations being greatly alarmed with the
apprehension that Lord -- would bring an action against him, though he
himself desired nothing more, and lived so easy under that expectation,
that they soon laid aside their fears on his account.

"We were visited by Mr. H. B--, a relation of my lord, and one Mr. R--,
of the Guards, who, with the little Scotchman and my lover, made an
agreeable set, among whom I enjoyed hunting, and all manner of country
diversions. As to Mr. H. B--, if ever there was perfection in one
man, it centred in him; or, at least, he, of all the men I ever knew,
approached the nearest to that idea which I had conceived of a perfect
character. He was both good and great, possessed an uncommon genius, and
the best of hearts. Mr. R-- was a very sociable man, had a good person,
and cultivated understanding; and my lord was excessively good-humoured;
so that, with such companions, no place could be dull or insipid. For
my own part, I conducted the family; and, as I endeavoured to pleas