French nobleman, an officer in the army, who, chancing
to come in, asked with great politeness, what I would please to have. I
then repeated my desire, and produced my passports, by which he learned
who I was. He immediately gave orders that my coach should pass; and
afterwards visited me at Paris, having obtained my permission, and
taken my address at parting; while the others, understanding my name and
quality, asked pardon for their impolite carriage, which they told
me was owing to the representation of the soldier, who gave them to
understand that I was a strolling actress.

"I could not help laughing heartily at this mistake, which might have
proceeded from the circumstances of my appearance, my footman having
been obliged to change hats with the peasant, and myself being without
buckles on my shoes and buttons on my riding-skirt, while my countenance
still retained marks of the fear and confusion I had undergone. After
all, perhaps the fellow was a droll, and wanted to entertain himself at
my expense. The day was so far consumed in these adventures, that I was
obliged to take up my lodgings at Mechlin, where I addressed myself to
the intendant, giving him an account of the disaster I had met with, and
desiring I might have credit at the inn, as our whole company could not
raise the value of a sixpence. This gentleman, though a provincial, was
polite in his way, and not only granted my request, but invited me to
lodge at his own house. I accordingly gave him my company at supper, but
did not choose to sleep at his quarters, because he appeared to be what
the French call un vieux debauche.

"Next day, he sent a trumpet to the general, with a detail of my
misfortune, in hopes of retrieving what I had lost; but, notwithstanding
all possible search, I was fain to put up with my damage, which, in
linen, laces, clothes, and baubles, amounted to upwards of seven hundred
pounds, a loss which never deprived me of one moment's rest; for, though
I lodged at a miserable inn, and lay in a paltry bed, I slept as sound
as if nothing extraordinary had happened, after I had written to London
and Paris, directing that the payment of my bills of credit might
be stopped. Indeed, I know of but two misfortunes in life capable of
depressing my spirits, namely, the loss of health and friends; all
others may be prevented or endured. The articles of that calamity which
I chiefly regretted, were a picture of Lord W--, and some inimitable