In the meantime,
I travelled night and day towards my retreat in Lincolnshire, of
which his lordship had not, as yet, got the least intelligence;
and as my coachman was but an inexperienced driver, I was obliged
to make use of my own skill in that exercise, and direct his
endeavours the whole way, without venturing to go to bed, or take
the least repose, until I reached my own habitation. There I lived
in peace and tranquility for the space of six weeks, when I was
alarmed by one of my lord's myrmidons, who came into the neighbourhood,
blustering and swearing that he would carry me off either dead or
alive.
"It is not to be supposed that I was perfectly easy when I was made
acquainted with his purpose and declaration, as my whole family
consisted of no more than a couple of women and one footman.
However, I summoned up my courage, which had been often tried, and
never forsook me in the day of danger; and sent him word, that,
if ever he should presume to approach my house, I would order him
to be shot without ceremony. The fellow did not choose to put me
to the trial, and returned to town without his errand: but as the
place of my abode was now discovered, I laid my account with having a
visit from his employer; I therefore planted spies upon the road,
with a promise of reward to him who should bring me the first
intelligence of his lordship's approach.
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