h
expedition, followed me at an easier pace; and the footman was so
astonished at my perseverance, that he could not help asking me upon
the road, if ever I was weary in my life. Certain it is, my spirits
and resolution have enabled me to undergo fatigues that are almost
incredible. From Calais I went to Brussels, where I again set up my
rest in private lodgings; was again perfectly well received by the
fashionable people of that place; and, by the interest of my friends,
obtained the queen of Hungary's protection against the persecution of
my husband, while I should reside in the Austrian Netherlands. Thus
secured, I lived uncensured, conversing with the English company, with
which this city was crowded; but spent the most agreeable part of my
time with the countess of Calemberg, in whose house I generally dined
and supped. And I also contracted an intimacy with the princess of
Chemay, who was a great favourite with Madame d'Harrach, the governor's
lady.

"I had not been long in this happy situation, when I was disturbed by
the arrival of Lord --, who demanded me of the governor; but finding me
sheltered from his power, he set out for Vienna; and, in consequence
of his representations, strengthened with the duke of N--'s name, my
protection was withdrawn. But, before this application, he had gone to
the camp, and addressed himself to my Lord Stair, who was my particular
friend and ally by my first marriage, desiring he would compel me to
return to his house. His lordship told him, that I was in no shape
subject to his command; but invited him to dinner, with a view of
diverting himself and company at the expense of his guest. In the
evening, he was plied with so many bumpers to my health, that he became
intoxicated, and extremely obstreperous, insisted upon seeing Lord Stair
after he was retired to rest, and quarrelled with Lord D--, who being
a tall, large, raw-boned Scotchman, could have swallowed him at one
mouthful; but he thought he might venture to challenge him, in hopes of
being put under arrest by the general. Though he reckoned without his
host; Lord Stair knew his disposition, and, in order to punish his
presumption, winked at the affair. The challenger, finding himself
mistaken in his conjecture, got up early in the morning, and went off
post for Vienna. And Lord Stair desired a certain man of quality to make
me a visit, and give me an account of his behaviour.

"Being now deprived of my protection and pi