He compassionated my
sufferings, though he could not alleviate my distress any other
way than by interceding with my tyrant to mitigate my oppression.
Nevertheless, I remained eleven days in this uncomfortable situation:
I was watched like a criminal all day, and one of the servants
walked from one room to another all night, in the nature of a patrol;
while my lord, who lay in the chamber above me, got out of bed and
tripped to the window at the sound of every coach that chanced to
pass through the street. H--, who was consummate in the arts of a
sycophant, began to court my favour, by condoling my affliction,
and assuring me, that the only method by which I could regain my
liberty was a cheerful compliance with the humour of my lord. I
was fully convinced of the truth of this observation; and, though
my temper is altogether averse to dissimulation, attempted to affect
an air of serenity and resignation. But this disguise, I found,
would not answer my purpose; and therefore I had recourse to
the assistance of my maid, who was permitted to attend me in my
confinement.
Pages:
962
963
964
965
966
967
968
969
970
971
972
973
974
975
976
977
978
979
980
981
982
983
984
985
986