to relate particulars, I quickened my pace, and took possession of
a hackney-coach, in which I proceeded to the vehicle I had appointed to
be in waiting.

"While I thus compassed my escape, there was nothing but perplexity and
confusion at home; dinner was delayed till six o'clock; my lord ran half
the town over in quest of his equipage, which at last returned, with
an account of my elopement. My maid was brought to the question, and
grievously threatened; but, like all the women I ever had, remained
unshaken in her fidelity. In the meantime, I travelled night and day
towards my retreat in Lincolnshire, of which his lordship had not,
as yet, got the least intelligence; and as my coachman was but an
inexperienced driver, I was obliged to make use of my own skill in that
exercise, and direct his endeavours the whole way, without venturing to
go to bed, or take the least repose, until I reached my own habitation.
There I lived in peace and tranquility for the space of six weeks,
when I was alarmed by one of my lord's myrmidons, who came into the
neighbourhood, blustering and swearing that he would carry me off either
dead or alive.

"It is not to be supposed that I was perfectly easy when I was made
acquainted with his purpose and declaration, as my whole family
consisted of no more than a couple of women and one footman. However, I
summoned up my courage, which had been often tried, and never forsook me
in the day of danger; and sent him word, that, if ever he should presume
to approach my house, I would order him to be shot without ceremony.
The fellow did not choose to put me to the trial, and returned to town
without his errand: but as the place of my abode was now discovered,
I laid my account with having a visit from his employer; I therefore
planted spies upon the road, with a promise of reward to him who should
bring me the first intelligence of his lordship's approach.

"Accordingly, I was one morning apprised of his coming, and, mounting
horse immediately, with my woman and valet, away we rode, in defiance of
winter. In two days I traversed the wilds of Lincolnshire and hundreds
of Essex, crossed the river at Tilbury, breakfasted at Chatham, by
the help of a guide and moonlight arrived at Dover the same evening,
embarked for Calais, in which place I found myself next day at two
o'clock in the afternoon; and being heartily tired with my journey,
betook myself to rest. My maid, who was not able to travel with suc