about two
o'clock in the morning
Induced by these representations , the duke honoured me with a visit ; and , in the course of his exhortations , I understood how he had been thus misinformed . Upon which I sent for Lord -- , and , in his presence , convicted him of the falsehood , by communicating to his grace the articles of our last agreement , which he did not think proper to deny ; and the duke , being undeceived , declared , that he would not have given me the trouble of vindicating myself , had he not been misled by the insincerity of my lord . `` Baffled in this attempt , he engaged Mr. H -- V -- , and afterwards my own father , in the same task ; and though I still adhered to my first resolution , persisted with such obstinacy in his endeavours to make me unhappy , that I determined to leave the kingdom . Accordingly , after I had spent the evening with him at Ranelagh , I went away about two o'clock in the morning , leaving my companion , with directions to restore to my lord his house , furniture , plate , and everything he had given me since our last accommodation ; so far was I , upon this occasion , or at any other time of my life , from embezzling any part of his fortune . My friend followed my instructions most punctually : and his lordship knows and will acknowledge the truth of this assertion . `` Thus have I explained the true cause of my first expedition to Flanders , whither the world was good-natured enough to say , I followed Mr. B -- and the whole army , which happened to be sent abroad that summer . Before my departure , I likewise transmitted to Lord B -- the dressing plate , china , and a very considerable settlement , of which he had been generous enough to make me a present .