er I went by myself, in hopes of
being soon joined by my lover, who was obliged to stay some time longer
in England, to settle his affairs. He was so much affected at our
parting, though but for a few weeks, that he was almost distracted.
And this affliction renewed my tenderness for him, because it was an
undoubted proof of his love. I wrote to him every post from France; and,
as I had no secrets, desired him to take care of all the letters that
should come to his house, directed to me, after my departure from
England.

"This was an unfortunate office for him, in the execution of which he
chanced to open a letter from Sir T-- A--, with whom, as I have already
observed, I had some correspondence at Bath. I had according to my
promise, given this gentleman a decisive answer, importing that I
was determined to remain in my present situation; but as Lord B-- was
ignorant of my sentiments in that particular, and perceived from the
letter that something extraordinary had passed between us, and that
I was earnestly solicited to leave him, he was seized with the utmost
consternation and concern; and, having previously obtained the king's
leave to go abroad, set out that very night for France, leaving his
affairs in the greatest confusion.

"Sir T-- A-- hearing I was gone, without understanding the cause of my
departure, took the same route, and both arrived at Dover next day. They
heard of each other's motions. Each bribed the master of a packet-boat
to transport him with expedition; but that depending upon the wind, both
reached Calais at the same time, though in different vessels. Sir
T-- sent his valet-de-chambre post, with a letter, entreating me to
accompany him into Italy, where he would make me mistress of his whole
fortune, and to set out directly for that country, that he might not
lose me by the arrival of Lord B--, promising to join me on the road,
if I would consent to make him happy. I sent his messenger back with
an answer, wherein I expressed surprise at his proposals, after having
signified my resolution to him before I left England. He was scarce
dismissed, when I received another letter from Lord B--, beseeching me
to meet him at Clermont, upon the road from Calais; and conjuring me
to avoid the sight of his rival, should he get the start of him in
travelling. This, however, was not likely to be the case, as Lord B--
rode post, and the other was, by his corpulence, obliged to travel in
a chaise; yet, that I