Page:The female Quixote, or, The adventures of Arabella (Second Edition).pdf/163

 and that was my Business: But, when I see her, I'll know whether you are allowed to abuse me in this manner.

Arabella, by this time, was advanced as far as the Bedchamber, longing to know what sort of Conference Lucy was holding with her intended Ravisher: When that faithful Confidante, seeing her, came running to her, and whispered her, that the House-Steward was at the Door, and said he wanted to intercede for Edward.

Ah! the Traitor! said Arabella, retiring again: Has he, then, really bargained with that disloyal Man, to deliver up his Mistress? I am undone, Lucy, said she, unless I can find a Way to escape out of the House. They will, questionless, soon force the Doors of my Apartment.

Suppose, said Lucy, your Ladyship went down the Stairs that lead from your Dressing-room into the Garden; and you may hide yourself in the Gardener's House till Mr. Glanville come.

I approve, said Arabella, of one Part of your Proposal: But I shall not trust myself in the Gardener's House; who, questionless, is in the Plot with the rest of my perfidious Servants, since none of them have endeavoured to advertise me of my Danger. If we can gain the Gardens undiscovered, we may get out by that Door at the Foot of the Terrace, which leads into the Fields; for you know I always keep the Key of that private Door: So, Lucy, let us commend ourselves to the Direction of Providence, and be gone immediately.