; though I was under some apprehension of being overtaken with a
pistol-bullet in my flight, and therefore held down my head in the chaise, in
imitation of some great men, who are said to have ducked in the same manner, in
the day of battle.
    My fears happened to be disappointed: I lay at an inn upon the road, and
next day arrived in town, in the utmost difficulty and distress; for I knew not
where to fix my habitation, and was destitute of all means of support. In this
dilemma, I applied to my lawyer, who recommended me to the house of a tradesman
in Westminster, where I lodged and boarded, upon credit, with my faithful
Abigail, (whom I shall distinguish by the name of Mrs. S--r) for the space of
ten weeks, during which I saw nobody, and never once stirred abroad.
    While I was thus harrassed out of all enjoyment of life, and reduced to the
utmost indigence, by the cruelty of my persecutor, who had even stripp'd me of
my wearing apparel, I made a conquest of lord D--, a nobleman who is now dead,
and therefore I shall say little of his character, which is perfectly well
known: this only will I observe, that, next to my own tyrant, he was the only
person of whom I had the greatest abhorrence. Nevertheless, when these two came
in competition, I preferred the offers of this new lover, which were very
considerable; and as an asylum was the chief thing I wanted, agreed to follow
him to his country-seat, whither I actually sent my cloaths, which I had
purchased upon credit.
    However, upon mature deliberation, I changed my mind, and signified my
resolution in a letter, desiring at the same time, that my baggage might be sent
back. In consequence of this message, I expected a visit from him, in all the
rage of indignation and disappointment, and gave orders, that he should not be
admitted into my house: yet, notwithstanding this precaution, he found means to
procure entrance; and one of the first objects that I saw, next morning, in my
bed-chamber, was my lover, armed with his horse-whip, against which (from the
knowledge of the man) I did not think myself altogether secure; though I was not
much alarmed, because I believed myself superior to him in point of bravery,
should the worst come to the worst: but, contrary to my expectation, and his
usual behaviour to our sex
