 Essex, where I lived a few months in great tranquillity,
unmolested by my tyrant, who sometimes gave me a whole year's respite. Here I
used to ride and drive by turns (as my humour dictated) with horses which were
lent me; and I had the company of my lover, and another gentleman, who was a
very agreeable companion, and of singular service to me in the sequel.
    At last, my lord having received intelligence of the place of my abode, and
his tormenting humour recurring, he set out for my habitation, and in the
morning appeared in his coach and six, attended by Mr. G-n, and another person,
whom he had engaged for the purpose, with several domesticks armed. I
immediately shut up my doors at his approach, and refused him admittance, which
he endeavoured to obtain by a succession of prayers and threats; but I was deaf
to both, and resolved to hold out to the last.
    Seeing me determined, he began his attack, and his servants actually forced
their way into the house; upon which I retreated up stairs, and fortified myself
in an apartment, which the assailants stormed with such fury, that the door
began to give way, and I retired into another room.
    Whilst I remained in this post, Mr. G-n demanded a parley, in which he
begg'd I would favour my lord with an interview, otherwise he knew not what
would be the consequence. To this remonstrance I replied, that I was not
disposed to comply with his request; and that though their design should be
murder, I was not at all afraid of death. Upon this declaration they renewed
their attacks, which they carried on with indifferent success till the
afternoon, when my lord (as if he had been at play) sent a formal message to me,
desiring that all hostilities should cease, till after both parties should have
dined. At the same time, my own servants came for instructions: and I ordered
them to let him have every thing which he should call for, as far as the house
would afford.
    He did not fail to make use of this permission; but, sitting down with his
companions, ate up my dinner without hesitation, after he had paid me the
compliment, of desiring to know what he should send up to my apartment. Far from
having any stomach to partake of his meal, I sat solitary upon my bed, in a
state of melancholy expectation, having fastened the door of the outward room
for my security, while I kept my chamber open
