At dead of night she rose, and, accompanied by her friend Sarah and two other female attendants, stole down the back stairs in a dressing gown and slippers.

The fugitives gained the open street unchallenged.

A hackney coach was in waiting for them there.

Two men guarded the humble vehicle.

One of them was Compton, Bishop of London, the Princess's old tutor: the other was the magnificent and accomplished Dorset, whom the extremity of the public danger had roused from his luxurious repose.