They had almost finished the first stage, when they descried a
post-chaise just halting at the inn where they proposed to change
horses; upon which our adventurer, glowing with a most interesting
presage, put his beast to the full speed, and approached near enough
to distinguish, as the travellers quitted the carriage, that he
had at last come up with the very individual persons whom he had
pursued so long.
Flushed with this discovery, he galloped into the yard so suddenly,
that the lady and her conductor scarce had time to shut themselves
up in a chamber, to which they retreated with great precipitation;
so that the pursuer was now certain of having housed his prey. That
he might, however, leave nothing to fortune, he placed himself upon
the stair by which they had ascended to the apartment, and sent
up his compliments to the young lady, desiring the favour of being
admitted to her presence, otherwise he should be obliged to waive
all ceremony, and take that liberty which she would not give. The
servant, having conveyed his message through the keyhole, returned
with an answer, importing that she would adhere to the resolution
she had taken, and perish, rather than comply with his will.
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