 I was put into the coach. But before I
resolved upon this journey I was reduced to the utmost exigence of fortune; so
that I could scarce afford to buy provisions, had it been in my power to eat,
and should not have been able to defray my travelling expences, had I not been
generously befriended by lord R- M- who (I am sure) would have done any thing
for my ease and accommodation, tho' he has unjustly incurred the imputation of
being parsimonious, and I had no reason to expect any such favour at his hands.
    In this deplorable state of health I was conveyed to Calais, being all the
way (as it were) in the arms of death, without having swallowed the least
sustenance on the road; and so much was my indisposition augmented by the
fatigue of the journey, that I swooned when I was brought into the inn, and had
almost expired before I could receive the least assistance or advice: however,
my spirits were a little revived by some bread and wine, which I took at the
persuasion of a French surgeon, who chancing to pass by the door, was called up
to my relief; and having sent my servant to Brussels to take care of my coaths,
embarked in the packet-boat, and by that time we arrived at Dover, was almost in
extremity.
    Here I found a return coach, in which I was carried to London, and was put
to bed in the house at which we put up, more dead than alive. The people of the
inn sent for an apothecary, who administred some cordial that recalled me to
life; and when I recovered the use of speech, I told him who I was, and desired
him to wait upon Dr. S- and inform him of my situation. A young girl who was
niece to the landlord's wife, seeing me unattended, made a tender of her service
to me, and I accepted the offer, as well as of a lodging in the apothecary's
house, to which I was conveyed as soon as my strength would admit of my removal;
and there was visited by my physician, who was shocked to find me in such a
dangerous condition: however, having considered my case, he perceived that my
indisposition proceeded from the calamities I had undergone, and encouraged me
with the hope of a speedy cure, provided I could be kept easy and undisturbed.
    I was accordingly tended with all imaginable care; my lord's name being
never mentioned in my hearing, because I considered him as the fatal source of
all
