I drew my curtain
at the same time, and who should I see entering my chamber but his
lordship, attended by a constable, and the footman who had discovered
my retreat!
"Such an unexpected visit could not fail to affect me with surprise
and consternation. However, I summoned all my fortitude to my aid,
and perceiving the fellows were about to open my window-shutters,
desired their principal to order them down-stairs. He readily complied
with my request, and sitting down by my bedside, told me with an
air of triumph, that he had found me at last; and I frankly owned,
that I was heartily sorry for his success. Instead of upbraiding
me with my escape, he proceeded to entertain me with all the news
in town, and gave me a minute detail of everything that happened
to him since our parting; among other articles of intelligence,
giving me to understand, that he had challenged Mr. S--, who refused
to fight him, and was in disgrace with the prince of W-- on that
account.
"But here his lordship did not strictly adhere to the naked truth.
He had indeed, before our departure from the country, gone to my
lover, and insisted upon having satisfaction in Hyde Park, two days
from the date of his demand, and at three o'clock in the afternoon;
S--, believing him in earnest, accepted the invitation; though he
observed, that these affairs could not be discussed too soon, and
wished the time of meeting might be an earlier hour.
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