Memorabilia; Or Recollections, Historical, Biographical, and AntiquarianSavage, James
History
Memorabilia; Or Recollections, Historical, Biographical, and Antiquarian
Savage, James
History -- Miscellanea; Savage, James, 1767-1845
when he saw us, threw him into such consternation, that he was almost
out of himself, which Evans perceiving, with the greatest presence of
mind, without telling him any thing, lest he should mistrust them,
conducted him to some of her own friends, on whom she could rely, and so
secured him, without which we should have been undone. When she had
conducted him, and left him with them, she returned to find Mr. Mills,
who, by this time, had recovered himself from his astonishment. They
went home together, and having found a place of security, they conducted
him to it.
In the mean while, as I had pretended to have sent the young lady on a
message, I was obliged to return up stairs and go back to my lord’s
room, in the same feigned anxiety of being too late, so that every body
seemed sincerely to sympathize with my distress. When I was in the room,
I talked to him, as if he had been really present, and answered my own
questions in my lord’s voice, as nearly as I could imitate it. I walked
up and down, as if we were conversing together, till I thought they had
time enough thoroughly to clear themselves of the guards. I then thought
proper to make off also. I opened the door, and stood half in it, that
those in the outward chamber might hear what I said, but held it so
close, that they could not look in. I bid my lord a formal farewell, for
that night, and added that something more than usual must have happened
to make Evans negligent on this important occasion, who had always been
so punctual in the smallest trifles; that I saw no other remedy than to
go in person; that if the Tower were still open when I finished my
business, I would return that night; but that he might be assured I
would be with him as early in the morning as I could gain admittance
into the Tower, and I flattered myself I should bring favourable news.
Then, before I shut the door, I pulled through the string of the latch,
so that it could only be opened on the inside. I then shut it with some
degree of force, that I might be sure of its being well shut. I said to
the servant as I passed by, that he need not carry in candles to his
master till my lord sent for him, as he desired to finish some prayers
first. I went down stairs, and called a coach. As there were several on
the stand, I drove home to my lodgings, where poor Mr. Mackenzie had
been waiting to carry the petition, in case my attempt had failed. I
told him there was no need of any petition, as my lord was safe out of
the Tower, and out of the hands of his enemies, as I hoped; but that I
did not know where he was.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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