Lord Worcester's fine person looked remarkably well in the elegant evening uniform of the Tenth, and I was so touched and won, by being allowed to have my own way with such perfect liberty, in the house of another person, that, when he handed me to the door of my bed-chamber, and there took a most tender and affectionate leave of me for the night, I was almost tempted to regret that I had expressed a desire to pass it in solitude.
"It is a nice room," said I, "and the fire burns cheerfully. Do you think there are any ghosts in this part of the world?"
Worcester however was too modest in his idolatry, and had too great a dread of giving offence to me, to take my hint.
He merely reminded me that he was close at hand; and I had but to touch my bell, to bring him in an instant to my side.
The next morning I was awakened by Lord Berwick's odd voice calling to Worcester.
"I have brought you some prime apples, which came from my country house this morning, and Sophia wants you both to dine with me to-day. In short, she will not come unless you do."
I hurried on my dressing-gown, and assured Lord Berwick that I should meet her with pleasure.
Lord Worcester said that he ought to be at parade; but declared, no matter what might be the consequence, that he could not and never would leave me again.
After breakfast, his two grooms rode up to the door with three horses: one of them was a delightfully quiet-looking lady's horse.
"Who is to ride that one which is without a saddle?" I inquired.