 a correspondence commenced between us: indeed, it was impossible for any
person to know him, without entertaining the utmost esteem and veneration for
his virtue.
    After I had lived some time in this agreeable retreat, my husband began to
make a bustle: he sent a message, demanding me from lord B--; then came in
person, with his night-cap in his pocket, intending to have stayed all night,
had he been asked, and attended by a relation, whom he assured that I was very
fond of him, and detained by force from his arms.
    Finding himself disappointed in his expectations, he commenced a law-suit
against lord B-, though not for a divorce, as we desired, but with a view to
reclaim me as his lawful wife. His lawyers, however, attempted to prove criminal
conversation, in hopes of extorting money from my lover; but their endeavours
were altogether fruitless; for no servant of lord B--'s or mine, could with
justice say, we were ever seen to trespass against modesty and decorum; so that
the plaintiff was nonsuited.
    While this cause was depending, all my lover's friends expressed fear and
concern for the issue, while he himself behaved with the utmost resolution, and
gave me such convincing proofs of a strong and steady affection, as augmented my
gratitude, and rivetted the ties of my love, which was unblemished, faithful and
sincere.
    Soon after this event, I was seized with a violent fit of illness, in which
I was visited by my father, and attended by two physicians, one of whom
despaired of my life, and took his leave accordingly; but Dr. S--, who was the
other, persisted in his attendance, and, in all human appearance, saved my life;
a circumstance by which he acquired a great share of reputation: yet,
notwithstanding all his assistance, I was confined to my bed for ten weeks;
during which, lord B--'s grief was immoderate, his care and generosity
unlimited. Whilst I lay in this extremity, Mr. S--, penetrated by my melancholy
condition, which revived his tenderness, begg'd leave to be admitted to my
presence; and lord B-- would have complied with his request, had I not been
judged too weak to bear the shock of such an interview. My constitution,
however, agreeably disappointed their fears; and the fever had no sooner left
me, than I was removed to a hunting-seat belonging to my lover, from whence,
after I had
