"When my father asked the meaning of his exclamations, he told him,
with all the symptoms of dismay, that I had locked him in, and he
did not understand such usage. But I explained the whole mystery,
by saying, I had bolted the door because I did not like the company
of his servants, and could not imagine the cause of his panic,
unless he thought I designed to ravish him; an insult than which
nothing was farther from my intention. My father himself could
scarce refrain from laughing at his ridiculous fear; but, seeing
him in great confusion, took pity on his condition, and carried him
off to his own lodgings, after I had given my word that I would not
attempt to escape, but give him audience next morning. I accordingly
kept my promise, and found means to persuade them to leave me at
my own discretion. Next day I was rallied upon the stratagem I had
contrived to frighten Lord --; and a thousand idle stories were told
about this adventure, which happened literally as I have related
it.
"From Bath I betook myself to a small house near Lincoln, which
I had hired of the d-- of A--, because a country life suited best
with my income, which was no more than four hundred pounds a year,
and that not well paid.
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