A very honest footman, who had been long in my service, ran upstairs
in the utmost consternation, and gave me an account of what had
happened below. Upon which I told him he had nothing to answer for,
and ordered him to keep the door fast shut against all opposition;
though I was so much affected with this unexpected assault, that
Lord -- said he was never more surprised and shocked in his life,
than at the horror which appeared in my countenance, when I saw
the coach stop at my door.
"My little hero being refused admittance, went away, threatening
to return speedily with a reinforcement; and during this interval,
I provided myself with a soldier, whom I placed sentinel at the
door, within side, to guard me from the danger of such assaults
for the future. My lord, true to his promise, marched back with his
auxiliaries, reinforced with a constable, and repeated his demand
of being admitted; and my soldier opening the sash, in order to
answer him, according to my directions, he no sooner perceived the
red coat, than he was seized with such a panic, that he instantly
fled with great precipitation; and, when he recounted the adventure,
like Falstaff in the play, multiplied my guard into a whole file
of musqueteers.
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