 doubted
that the challenger would find some expedient to prevent the duel, tho' I
wondered how he mustered up resolution enough to carry it so far.
    That he might not, however, give us any more trouble, we resolved to go and
enjoy ourselves in France, whither I went by myself, in hopes of being soon
joined by my lover, who was obliged to stay some time longer in England, to
settle his affairs. He was so much affected at our parting (tho' but for a few
weeks) that he was almost distracted; and this affliction renewed my tenderness
for him, because it was an undoubted proof of his love. I wrote to him every
post from France; and, as I had no secrets, desired him to take care of all the
letters that should come to his house, directed to me, after my departure from
England.
    This was an unfortunate office for him, in the execution of which he chanced
to open a letter from Sir T- A-, with whom (as I have already observed) I had
some correspondence at Bath. I had, according to my promise, given this
gentleman a decisive answer, importing, that I was determined to remain in my
present situation; but as lord B- was ignorant of my sentiments in that
particular, and perceived from the letter that something extraordinary had
passed between us, and that I was earnestly sollicited to leave him, he was
seized with the utmost consternation and concern; and having previously obtained
the king's leave to go abroad, set out that very night for France, leaving his
affairs in the greatest confusion.
    Sir T- A- hearing I was gone, without understanding the cause of my
departure, took the same rout, and both arrived at Dover next day. They heard of
each other's motions: each bribed the master of a packet-boat to transport him
with expedition; but that depending upon the wind, both reached Calais at the
same time, tho' in different vessels. Sir T- sent his valet de chambre, post,
with a letter, intreating me to accompany him into Italy, where he would make me
mistress of his whole fortune, and to set out directly for that country, that he
might not lose me by the arrival of lord B-, promising to join me on the road,
if I would consent to make him happy. I sent his messenger back with an answer,
wherein I expressed surprize at his proposals, after having signified my
resolution to him before I left England; and he was scarce dismissed,
