 reason to doubt the sincerity of his declaration. We
consulted about the measures I should take, and I determined to remove into the
country, where I was soon favoured with a letter from him, wherein he expressed
the infinite pleasure he had, in being able to assure me, that my suit had been
successful, and that I might appear again with great safety.
    Accordingly, I returned to town in his coach and six, which he had sent for
my convenience, and the same evening went with him to the masquerade, where we
passed the night very agreeably, his spirits, as well as mine, being elevated to
a joyous pitch, by the happy event of my process. This gentleman was a person of
great honour, worth and good nature; he loved me extremely, but did not care
that I should know the extent of his passion: on the contrary, he endeavoured to
persuade me, he had laid it down as a maxim, that no woman should ever have
power enough over his heart, to give him the least pain or disquiet. In short,
he had made a progress in my affection, and to his generosity was I indebted for
my subsistence two whole years; during which, he was continually professing this
philosophic indifference, while, at the same time, he was giving me daily
assurances of his friendship and esteem, and treating me with incessant marks of
the most passionate love: so that I concluded his intention was cold, though his
temper was warm; and considering myself as an incumbrance upon his fortune, I
redoubled my endeavours to obtain a separate maintenance from my lord, and
removed from St. James's Square to lodgings at Kensington, where I had not long
enjoyed myself in tranquillity, before it was interrupted by a very unexpected
visit.
    While I was busy one day dressing in my dining-room, I found his lordship at
my elbow, before I was aware of his approach, although his coach was at the
door, and the house already in the possession of his servants. He accosted me in
the usual stile, as if we had parted the night before; and I answered him with
an appearance of the same careless familiarity, desiring him to sit down, while
I retreated to my chamber, lock'd the door, and fairly went to bed; being,
perhaps, the first woman who went thither for protection from the insults of a
man. Here then I immured myself with my faithful Abigail; and my lord finding me
secured, knocked at the door, and through the key-hole begg'd to
