 with great
assiduity and respect, attended me in all my excursions, and particularly in an
expedition to Antwerp, with two other gentlemen, where, in down-right gaietè de
coeur, we sat for our pictures, which were drawn in one piece; one of the partie
being represented in the dress of an hussar, and another in that of a running
footman. This incident I mention, because the performance, which is now in my
possession, gave birth to a thousand groundless reports, that circulated in
England at our expence.
    It was immediately after this jaunt, that lord R-- began to disclose his
passion; though he, at the same time, started such objections as seemed well
nigh to extinguish his hopes, lamenting, that even if he should have the
happiness to engage my affections, his fortune was too inconsiderable to support
us against the efforts of lord --, should he attempt to interrupt our felicity;
and that he himself was obliged to follow the motions of the army. In short, he
seemed to consider my felicity more than his own, and behaved with such
delicacy, as gradually made an impression on my heart; so that when we parted,
we agreed to renew our correspondence in England.
    In the midst of these agreeable amusements, which I enjoyed in almost all
the different towns of Flanders, I happened to be at Ghent one day, sitting
among a good deal of company, in one of their Hotels, when a post-chaise stopped
at the gate; upon which we went to the windows to satisfy our curiosity, when
who should step out of the convenience, but my little insignificant lord. I no
sooner announced him to the company, than all the gentlemen asked whether they
should stay and protect me, or withdraw; and when I assured them, that their
protection was not necessary, one and all of them retired; though lord R-- M--
went no farther than the parlour below, being determined to screen me against
all violence and compulsion. I sent a message to my lord, desiring him to walk
up into my apartment; but although his sole errand was to see and carry me off,
he would not venture to accept of my invitation, till he had demanded me in
form, from the governor of the place.
    That gentleman being altogether a stranger to his person and character,
referred him to the commanding officer of the English troops, who was a man of
humour, and upon his lordship's application, pretended to doubt his identity;
observing, that he had always heard lord -- represented
