There certainly was much aggravation of sin in my projected intercourse with the Marquis of Worcester. Many women, very hard pressed _par la belle nature_, intrigue, because they see no prospect, nor hopes, of getting husbands; but I, who might, as everybody told me and were incessantly reminding me, have, at this period, smuggled myself into the Beaufort family, by merely declaring to Lord Worcester, with my finger pointed towards the North--"that way leads to Harriette Wilson's room"; yet so perverse was my conscience, so hardened by what Fred Bentinck calls my perseverance in loose morality, that I scorned the idea of taking such an advantage of the passion I had inspired in, what I believed to be, a generous breast, as might hereafter cause unhappiness to himself, while it would embitter the peace of his parents. CHAPTER XVIII Viscount Berwick, in a magnificent equipage drawn by four milk white horses, or four of raven black, I forget which, led the way towards Brighton, followed by the more humble vehicles containing his cook, his plate, his frying-pans, and other utensils. Soon afterwards Julia and Sophia started in a neat little chariot drawn by two scraggy black horses, _parce que Mademoiselle Sophie voulait faire paraître les beaux restes de sa vertu chancelante._ Lord Worcester I sent down alone, that he might hire a house and have everything in readiness. "But, if I once join my regiment I shall not be allowed to return," Worcester observed. "No matter," said I, "my maid and myself can find our way to Brighton with perfect safety." "I can ride ten or fifteen miles to meet you," Worcester said, and having made me promise again and again that he might expect me at a certain hour on a certain day, he took his leave and also set off for Brighton. "I have a great mind not to go," said I to myself after Worcester had left me. However, my word was passed and my maid had already begun to pack my trunks. "Pray do not go," said my wild, young tormentor, Augustus Berkeley, who came upstairs without permission, just as we were ready to start. "I have so sworn to Worcester that he would not be successful." I laughed. "What do you laugh at, you tiresome creature?" asked Augustus. "At your vanity, in supposing that none but the most immaculate could refuse you." "Why, I am a better-looking fellow than Worcester, at all events," said Augustus. "True," I replied, "but then you do not like me half as well." "All nonsense, nobody loves you better than I do, only I have the misfortune not to be a lord." "I have been at least as civil to you, as I ever was to the Marquis of Sligo, the Prince Esterhazy, and many others." "Well," said Augustus, "however that may be, I will never forgive you for going to Worcester." "It is a very hard case," I observed, "but I cannot help it."