The first resolution she could take, in the present flutter of her
spirits, was to make the best of her way to London, where she thought she
might find an asylum in the house of a female relation, married to an
eminent physician, known by the name of Kawdle. In the execution of this
hasty resolve, she travelled at a violent rate, from stage to stage, in a
carriage drawn by four horses, without halting for necessary refreshment
or repose, until she judged herself out of danger of being overtaken. As
she appeared overwhelmed with grief and consternation, the good-natured
Dolly endeavoured to alleviate her distress with diverting discourse,
and, among other less interesting stories, entertained her with the
adventures of Sir Launcelot and Captain Crowe, which she had seen and
heard recited while they remained at the Black Lion; nor did she fail to
introduce Mr. Thomas Clarke in her narrative, with such a favourable
representation of his person and character, as plainly discovered that
her own heart had received a rude shock from the irresistible force of
his qualifications.