shocking returns, he thought fit on the fourth day to make in person
the same inquiries; and received still greater incivilities from my
two uncles, who happened to be both there. My father also was held by
force from going to him with his sword in his hand, although he had
the gout upon him.

I fainted away with terror, seeing every one so violent, and hearing
Mr. Lovelace swear that he would not depart till he had made my uncles
ask his pardon for the indignities he had received at their hands; a
door being held fast locked between him and them. My mother all the
time was praying and struggling to with-hold my father in the great
parlour. Meanwhile my sister, who had treated Mr. Lovelace with
virulence, came in to me, and insulted me as fast as I recovered. But
when Mr. Lovelace was told how ill I was, he departed; nevertheless
vowing revenge.

He was ever a favourite with our domestics. His bounty to them, and
having always something facetious to say to each, had made them all of
his party: and on this occasion they privately blamed every body else,
and reported his calm and gentlemanly behaviour (till the provocations
given him ran very high) in such favourable terms, that those reports,
and my apprehensions of the consequence of this treatment, induced me
to read a letter he sent me that night; and, it being written in the
most respectful terms (offering to submit the whole to my decision,
and to govern himself entirely by my will) to answer it some days
after.

To this unhappy necessity was owing our renewed correspondence, as I
may call it; yet I did not write till I had informed myself from Mr.
Symmes's brother, that he was really insulted into the act of drawing