 to my aid, and perceiving
the fellows were about to open my window-shutters, desired their principal to
order them down stairs. He readily complied with my request, and sitting down by
my bed-side, told me with an air of triumph, that he had found me at last; and I
frankly owned, that I was heartily sorry for his success. Instead of upbraiding
me with my escape, he proceeded to entertain me with all the news in town, and
gave me a minute detail of every thing which had happened to him since our
parting; among other articles of intelligence, giving me to understand, that he
had challenged Mr. S--, who had refused to fight him, and was in disgrace with
the prince of W-- on that account.
    But here his lordship did not strictly adhere to the naked truth: he had
indeed, before our departure for the country, gone to my lover, and insisted
upon having satisfaction in Hyde-park, two days from the date of his demand, and
at three o'clock in the afternoon; S-- believing him in earnest, accepted the
invitation; though he observed, that these affairs could not be discussed too
soon, and wished the time of meeting might be at an earlier hour. But his
lordship did not choose to alter the circumstances of his first proposal; and
when he went away, said he should expect him at the appointed time and place, if
it did not rain.
    His antagonist gave me an account of the conversation, when I assured him
the whole business would end in smoke. Accordingly, my lord sent him a letter on
Monday, desiring that the assignation might be deferred till Thursday, that he
might have time to settle his affairs, and pay S- an hundred pounds, which he
had formerly borrowed of him. When Thursday came, he was favoured with another
epistle, importing, that the challenger had changed his mind, and would seek
satisfaction at law. Thus ended that heroic exploit, which his lordship now
boasted of with such arrogant misrepresentation.
    Whilst he regaled me with these interesting particulars, I was contriving a
scheme to frustrate the discovery he had made; so that I did not contradict his
assertions, but told him, that if he would go down stairs, I would rise and come
to breakfast. He consented to this proposal with great chearfulness; and I own,
I was not a little surprized to find him, at this first interview, in as good
humour, as if nothing had happened to interrupt the felicity of our matrimonial
union
