As I was now forced to break off
this enchanting correspondence, it is not to be doubted that our
parting cost us the most acute sensations of grief and disappointment.
However, there was no remedy. I tore myself from his arms, took my
leave of the family, after having acknowledged my obligations to
the duke, and set out for the place of rendezvous, where I was met
by my lord, attended by a steward whom he had lately engaged, and
who was one chief cause of our future separations. My lord, having
quitted his house in town, conducted me to his lodgings in Pall
Mall, and insisted upon sleeping with me the first night; but I
refused to gratify his desire, on the authority of our agreement.
"This dispute produced a quarrel, in consequence of which I attempted
to leave the house. He endeavouring to prevent my retreat, I fairly
locked him in, ran down-stairs, and, calling a hackney-coach, made
the best of my way into the city, to my father's lodgings, where I
lay, the family being in town, though he himself was in the country.
I wrote to him immediately; and, when he came to London, declared
my intention of separating from my lord; in which, seeing me obstinate
and determined, he at length acquiesced, and a formal separation
accordingly ensued, which at that time I thought binding and
immutable.
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