 in Essex for the first time. Next day, my lord and his
noble friend came to dinner, according to appointment; and being informed of my
escape by my woman, whom I had left in the house, his lordship discovered some
signs of discontent, and insisted upon seeing my papers; upon which, my maid
produced a parcel of bills which I owed to different people. Notwithstanding
this disappointment, he sat down to what was provided for dinner, and with great
deliberation ate up a leg of lamb, the best part of a fowl, and something else,
which I do not now remember; and then very peaceably went away, giving my maid
an opportunity of following me to the place of my retreat.
    My intention was to have sought refuge, as formerly, in another country; but
I was prevented from putting my design in execution by a fit of illness, during
which I was visited by my physician and some of my own relations, particularly a
distant cousin of mine, whom my lord had engaged in his interests, by promising
to recompence her amply, if she could persuade me to comply with his desire. In
this office she was assisted by the doctor, who was my friend, and a man of
sense, for whom I have the most perfect esteem, though he and I have often
differed in point of opinion. In a word, I was exposed to the incessant
importunities of all my acquaintance, which, added to the desperate
circumstances of my fortune, compelled me to embrace the terms that were
offered, and I again returned to the domestic duties of a wife.
    I was conducted to my lord's house by an old friend of mine, a gentleman
turned of fifty, of admirable parts and understanding; he was a pleasing
companion, chearful and humane, and had acquired a great share of my esteem and
respect. In a word, his advice had great weight in my deliberations, because it
seemed to be the result of experience and disinterested friendship. Without all
doubt, he had an unfeigned concern for my welfare; but, being an admirable
politician, his scheme was to make my interest coincide with his own
inclinations; for I had unwittingly made an innovation upon his heart; and as he
thought I should hardly favour his passion, while I was at liberty to converse
with the rest of my admirers, he counselled me to surrender that freedom, well
knowing that my lord would be easily persuaded to banish all his rivals from the
house; in which case, he did not doubt of his being able to insinuate himself
into my affections;
