eveal himself at all that Night,
since he could not foresee what effect the surprize would have, she must
needs be in, at the appearance of a Stranger, whom she had never seen
before, yet whom she had treated so familiarly. He knew Women were apt
to shriek or swoon upon such Occasions, and should she happen to do
either, he might be at a loss how to bring himself off. He thought he
might easily pretend to be indisposed somewhat more than ordinary, and so
make an excuse to go to his own Lodging. It came into his Head too, that
under pretence of giving her an account of his Health, he might enquire
of her the means how a Letter might be convey'd to her the next morning,
wherein he might inform her gently of her mistake, and insinuate
something of that Passion he had conceiv'd, which he was sure he could
not have opportunity to speak of if he bluntly revealed himself. He had
just resolv'd upon this Method, as they were come to the great Gates of
the Court, when Leonora stopping to let him go in before her, he of a
suddain fetch'd his Breath violently as if some stitch or twinging smart
had just then assaulted him. She enquired the matter of him, and advised
him to make haste into the House that he might sit down and rest him. He
told her he found himself so ill, that he judged it more convenient for
him to go home while he was in a condition to move, for he fear'd if he
should once settle himself to rest he might not be able to stir. She was
much troubled, and would have had a Chair made ready and Servants to
carry him home; but he made answer, he would not have any of her Fathers
Servants know of his being abroad, and that just now he had an interval
of ease, which he hop'd would continue till he made a shift to reach his
own Lodgings. Yet if she pleased to inform him how he might give an
account of himself the next morning, in a line or two, he would not fail
to give her the thanks due to her great kindness; and withal, would let
her know something which would not a little surprize her, though now he
had not time to acquaint her with it. She show'd him a little Window at
the corner of the House, where one should wait to receive his Letter, and
was just taking her leave of him, when seeing him search hastily in his
Pocket, she ask'd him if he miss'd any thing; he told her he thought a
Wound which was not throughly heal'd bled a little, and that he had lost
his Handkerchief. His design took; for she immediately gave