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
I perceiving his intention; was resolved to be even with him, and it may
be out-wit him; and that he might not distrust me, I seemed no ways
dissatisfied, but gave him as much freedom with me, as ever; but to
carry on my design, I thought good to break the business to my Masters
Brother; wherefore, I likewise acquainted him with my condition, and
told him in plain terms, that I was with child by him; He could not deny
the fact, nor make any excuse; not knowing of my dealings with the other
two; But he was likewise very much surprized; But I doubting, he might
put me off; I took the opportunity of telling him this news, when we
were in bed together, knowing there I should have time, and conveniency
to discourse it.
He knew not what to say, and indeed was very cold with me; and I was
forced to help him out, for he was then a Suiter to a young Gentlewoman,
and was fearful that this business would hinder his fortunes; and though
he loved me well enough, yet he was unwilling to marry me: for that
would prove so disadvantagious to him: he supposing that nothing but
marriage would content me, was much troubled, and could not tell what
answer to give me: wherefore I was forced to break silence, and told
him, that as I loved him, so I would shew him sufficient proofs of it;
for I would not that my love should ruine him, as I knew it would, if
the world should know what had passed between us; and though nothing
could satisfie me but marriage; yet I could be content to wave that, and
propose somewhat else of satisfaction; nay then, said he, if you will be
so kind to me, propose your own terms, and take them; I hearing him thus
generous, it was not long ere we concluded upon terms; which were these,
that he would give me 20_l._ down to bear my charges in the time of my
Lying-in, and if the child lived, he would give 50_l._ more to any
person whom I would appoint to take the child, and provide for it; these
terms I was well enough satisfied with, only I considering that he would
hear of my lying with the other, because I intended to discover that to
him, and have his assistance therein, and then I doubted he would
suspect me, and it may be refuse to pay the 50_l._ when due; therefore I
was resolved to have him seal a Bond to me, for payment of it: and I
urged him to do it out of this consideration, that he was to be married:
and though he now loved me well-enough, yet when he had a Wife, he would
happily slight and forget me, and so refuse or neglect to pay it. He was
content to hear my arguments: and though alwayes protesting a
continuance of his love to me, notwithstanding all the Wives in the
World; yet he consented to give me Bond according to my desire.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account