nd back, he was prevailed
upon to take my word, and for the present left me.

"They were no sooner retired, than I rose with great expedition, packed
up my clothes, and took shelter in Essex for the first time. Next day,
my lord and his noble friend came to dinner, according to appointment;
and being informed of my escape by my woman, whom I left in the house,
his lordship discovered some signs of discontent, and insisted upon
seeing my papers; upon which my maid produced a parcel of bills which
I owed to different people. Notwithstanding this disappointment, he sat
down to what was provided for dinner, and with great deliberation ate up
a leg of lamb, the best part of a fowl, and something else, which I do
not now remember; and then very peaceably went away, giving my maid an
opportunity of following me to the place of my retreat.

"My intention was to have sought refuge, as formerly, in another
country; but I was prevented from putting my design in execution by a
fit of illness, during which I was visited by my physician and some of
my own relations, particularly a distant cousin of mine, whom my lord
had engaged in his interests, by promising to recompense her amply, if
she could persuade me to comply with his desire. In this office she was
assisted by the doctor, who was my friend, and a man of sense, for whom
I have the most perfect esteem, though he and I have often differed
in point of opinion. In a word, I was exposed to the incessant
importunities of all my acquaintance, which, added to the desperate
circumstances of my fortune, compelled me to embrace the terms that were
offered, and I again returned to the domestic duties of a wife.

"I was conducted to my lord's house by an old friend of mine, a
gentleman turned of fifty, of admirable parts and understanding; he
was a pleasing companion, cheerful and humane, and had acquired a great
share of my esteem and respect. In a word, his advice had great weight
in my deliberations, because it seemed to be the result of experience
and disinterested friendship. Without all doubt, he had an unfeigned
concern for my welfare; but, being an admirable politician, his scheme
was to make my interest coincide with his own inclinations; for I had,
unwittingly, made an innovation upon his heart; and as he thought I
should hardly favour his passion while I was at liberty to converse with
the rest of my admirers, he counselled me to surrender that freedom,
well knowing that my l