 very young, and unacquainted with the world, I thought my
story might have escaped him; and therefore determined to give him a faithful
detail of the whole, that he might not have any thing to reproach me with in the
sequel; besides, I did not think it honest to engage him to do more for me than
he might afterwards, perhaps, think I was worth. Accordingly, I communicated to
him every particular of my life; and the narration, far from altering his
sentiments, rather confirmed his good opinion, by exhibiting an undoubted proof
of my frankness and sincerity. In short, he behaved with such generosity, as
made an absolute conquest of my heart: but my love was of a different kind from
that which had formerly reigned within my breast, being founded upon the warmest
gratitude and esteem, exclusive of any other consideration, though his person
was very agreeable, and his address engaging.
    When we arrived in England, I went directly to his country-seat, about
twelve miles from London, where he soon joined me, and we lived some time in
perfect retirement, his relations being greatly alarmed with the apprehension
that lord -- would bring an action against him; though he himself desired
nothing more, and lived so easily under that expectation, that they soon laid
aside their fears on his account.
    We were visited by Mr. H-- B--, a relation of my lord, and one Mr. R-- of
the guards, who, with the little Scotch gentleman and my lover, made an
agreeable set, among whom I enjoyed hunting, and all manner of country
diversions. As to Mr. H-- B--, if ever there was perfection in one man, it
centered in him; or at least, he, of all the men I ever knew, approached nearest
to that idea which I had conceived of a perfect character. He was both good and
great, possessed an uncommon genius and the best of hearts. Mr. R- was a very
sociable man, had a good person and cultivated understanding; and my lord was
excessively good humoured; so that, with such companions, no place could be dull
or insipid: for my own part, I conducted the family; and as I endeavoured to
please and make every body happy, I had the good fortune to succeed. Mr. B- told
me, that before he saw me, he heard I was a fool; but finding (as he was pleased
to say) that I had been egregiously misrepresented, he courted my friendship,
and
