The English Rogue: Continued in the Life of Meriton Latroon, and Other Extravagants: The Second PartHead, Richard
General
The English Rogue: Continued in the Life of Meriton Latroon, and Other Extravagants: The Second Part
Head, Richard
Rogues and vagabonds -- England -- Fiction
This I remember was our first Discourse, or to this purpose, and she
presently ordered me a Lodging within a few doors of her house, where I
had such another as my self for my Companion, and we were very well
accommodated with every thing; my habit was somewhat altered, for I was
now put into the most exact mode that was then in best esteem. According
to her Directions I carried my self in every thing; and once a day I
waited on her, or else she came to me. I had not been there many days
before she told me that there was an opportunity to begin my business,
and therefore she advised me to go the next day to a Play; and set my
self out in the best manner that I could; but she advised me by all
means to decline drinking, or entertaining any Discourse with any
person, though I should be importuned thereto, I promised obedience to
her commands; and my Companion, who was my Bed-fellow, attended me to
the Play-house, where by giving great attention to the Comedy that was
acted, I did not mind those who made it their chief business to gaze on
me. The Play being done, I went out, but was stayed by two Gentlemen
(who by their Habits seemed of quality) who offered me their service to
wait on me. I at first answered them with silence; but they seeing I had
no other Company but my Bed-fellow, were very importunate to have me
accept of theirs. I told them that they were strangers, and therefore
durst not admit of their kind offer: Having said thus, I called for a
Coach, and though they still importuned me to accept of their Company,
yet I absolutely refused it, and so caused the Coachman to drive home.
That evening was I visited by our Matrona, who told me, I had done well,
for she had an account given her of my deportment: for, said she, it is
not unknown to me that you were offered the service of two Gentlemen,
one of which is a person who is a retainer to my house, an old beaten
Souldier, and several such we are forced to keep correspondency withal,
that we may have new fresh guests brought to our house. The other
Gentleman, said she, is one who hath a long time laid out for a fresh
bit, and he was carried to the Playhouse on purpose to see you; whom I
gave my correspondent his companion so just an account of, that he could
not miss knowing of you: they both followed your Coach to your Lodgings,
and have since been at mine, and my young Coxcomb is very much smitten
with your beauty, and offers any thing that he may enjoy your Company. I
have promised him my assistance, but he must come off well first; and I
question not but to manage him so, as in few days you shall find the
effects of his love in some noble present, therefore, said she, fail not
to be directed by me, and I doubt not but you will reap much pleasure
and profit. I having promised a just compliance to her desires, she
departed, leaving me in the company of her Bed-fellow, who that night
entertained me with a large account of her Aduentures.
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