It came at
last, the dear, critical, dangerous hour came; and now, sup-
ported only by the courage love lent me, I ventured, a tip-
toe, down-stairs, leaving my box behind, for fear of being
surpriz'd with it in going out.
I got to the street-door, the key whereof was always
laid on the chair by our bed-side, in trust with Phoebe, who
having not the least suspicion of my entertaining any design
to go from them (nor indeed had I but the day before), made
no reserve or concealment of it from me. I open'd the door
with great ease; love, that embolden'd, protected me too:
and now, got safe into the street, I saw my new guardian-
angel waiting at a coach-door, ready open. How I got to him
I know not: I suppose I flew; but I was in the coach in a
trice, and he by the side of me, with his arms clasp'd round
me, and giving me the kiss of welcome. The coachman had his
orders, and drove to them.
My eyes were instantly fill'd with tears, but tears of
the most delicious delight; to find myself in the arms of
that beauteous youth was a rapture that my little heart swam
in. Past or future were equally out of the question with
me. The present was as much as all my powers of life were
sufficient to bear the transport of, without fainting. Nor
were the most tender embraces, the most soothing expressions
wanting on his side, to assure me of his love, and of never
giving me cause to repent the bold step I had taken, in
throwing myself thus entirely upon his honour and generosity.
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