six o'clock
I bought some olives at an oil-shop ; and , telling the servants I would proceed to St. James 's - gate , and take a turn in the park , broke one of the bottles by the way , complained of the misfortune when I was set down , and desired my coach might be cleaned before my return . While my attendants were employed in this office , I tripped across the Parade to the Horse Guards , and chanced to meet with an acquaintance in the park , who said , he saw by my countenance that I was upon some expedition . I owned his suspicion was just , but , as I had not time to relate particulars , I quickened my pace , and took possession of a hackney-coach , in which I proceeded to the vehicle I had appointed to be in waiting . `` While I thus compassed my escape , there was nothing but perplexity and confusion at home ; dinner was delayed till six o'clock ; my lord ran half the town over in quest of his equipage , which at last returned , with an account of my elopement . My maid was brought to the question , and grievously threatened ; but , like all the women I ever had , remained unshaken in her fidelity . In the meantime , I travelled night and day towards my retreat in Lincolnshire , of which his lordship had not , as yet , got the least intelligence ; and as my coachman was but an inexperienced driver , I was obliged to make use of my own skill in that exercise , and direct his endeavours the whole way , without venturing to go to bed , or take the least repose , until I reached my own habitation . There I lived in peace and tranquility for the space of six weeks , when I was alarmed by one of my lord 's myrmidons , who came into the neighbourhood , blustering and swearing that he would carry me off either dead or alive .