In short,
I found means to defer the categorical answer till next day, and
invited the duke and his lordship to dine with me to-morrow. My
wise yoke-fellow seemed to doubt the sincerity of this invitation,
and was very much disposed to keep possession of my house. But,
by the persuasion of his grace, and the advice of H--, who was his
chief counsellor and back, he was prevailed upon to take my word,
and for the present left me.
"They were no sooner retired, than I rose with great expedition,
packed up my clothes, and took shelter in Essex for the first time.
Next day, my lord and his noble friend came to dinner, according
to appointment; and being informed of my escape by my woman, whom
I left in the house, his lordship discovered some signs of discontent,
and insisted upon seeing my papers; upon which my maid produced a
parcel of bills which I owed to different people. Notwithstanding
this disappointment, he sat down to what was provided for dinner,
and with great deliberation ate up a leg of lamb, the best part of
a fowl, and something else, which I do not now remember; and then
very peaceably went away, giving my maid an opportunity of following
me to the place of my retreat.
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