 a certain part of the town, and to wait for me
three days in the same place, in case I could not come before the expiration of
that term.
    This previous measure being taken according to my instructions, the next
necessary step was to elude the vigilance of my guard: and in this manner did I
effectuate my purpose. Being, by this time, indulged in the liberty of going out
in the coach, for the benefit of the air, attended by two footmen, who had
orders to watch all my motions, I made use of this privilege one forenoon, when
lord -- expected some company to dinner, and bad the coachman drive to the
lodgings of a man who wrote with his mouth, intending to give my spies the slip,
on pretence of seeing this curiosity: but they were too alert in their duty to
be thus outwitted, and followed me up stairs into the very apartment.
    Disappointed in this hope, I revolved another scheme, which was attended
with success: I bought some olives at an oil-shop; and telling the servants I
would proceed to St. James's gate, and take a turn in the park, broke one of the
bottles by the way, complained of the misfortune when I was set down, and
desired that my coach might be cleaned before my return. While my attendants
were employed in this office, I tripp'd across the parade to the horse-guards,
and chanced to meet with an acquaintance in the park, who said, he saw by my
countenance, that I was upon some expedition. I owned his supposition was just;
but, as I had not time to relate particulars, I quickened my pace, and took
possession of a hackney-coach, in which I proceeded to the vehicle which I had
appointed to be in waiting.
    While I thus compassed my escape, there was nothing but perplexity and
confusion at home; dinner was delayed till six o'clock; my lord ran half over
the town in quest of his equipage, which at last returned, with an account of my
elopement. My maid was brought to the question, and grievously threatened; but
(like all the women I ever had) remained unshaken in her fidelity. In the mean
time, 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 unexperienced 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
