o ride and drive by turns, as my humour
dictated, with horses which were lent me; and I had the company of my
lover, and another gentleman, who was a very agreeable companion, and of
singular service to me in the sequel.

"At last, my lord having received intelligence of the place of my abode,
and his tormenting humour recurring, he set out for my habitation, and
in the morning appeared in his coach and six, attended by Mr. G--
and another person, whom he had engaged for the purpose, with several
domestics armed. I immediately shut up my doors at his approach, and
refused him admittance, which he endeavoured to obtain by a succession
of prayers and threats; but I was deaf to both, and resolved to hold out
to the last. Seeing me determined, he began his attack, and his servants
actually forced their way into the house; upon which I retreated
up-stairs, and fortified myself in my apartment, which the assailants
stormed with such fury, that the door began to give way, and I retired
into another room.

"Whilst I remained in this post, Mr. G-- demanded a parley, in which he
begged I would favour my lord with an interview, otherwise he knew not
what might be the consequence. To this remonstrance I replied, that I
was not disposed to comply with his request; and though their
design should be murder, I was not at all afraid of death. Upon this
declaration they renewed their attacks, which they carried on with
indifferent success till the afternoon, when my lord, as if he had been
at play, sent a formal message to me, desiring that all hostilities
should cease, till after both parties should have dined. At the same
time, my own servants came for instructions; and I ordered them to let
him have everything which he should call for, as far as the house would
afford.

"He did not fail to make use of this permission; but sitting down with
his companions, ate up my dinner without hesitation, after he had paid
me the compliment of desiring to know what he should send up to my
apartment. Far from having any stomach to partake of his meal, I sat
solitary upon my bed, in a state of melancholy expectation, having
fastened the door of the outward room for my security, while I kept my
chamber open for the convenience of air, the weather being excessively
hot. His lordship, having indulged his appetite, resumed his attempt,
and all of a sudden I heard a noise in the next room; upon which I
started up, and perceiving that he had got into my