Having refresht ourselves with what the House afforded, and Bottles and Pipes had supplied the place of Dishes; we dialogu’d as familiarly, as if our acquaintance had bore equal date with our nativities. And now it was she laid her self open to me, not concealing any thing, having before made my self acquainted with her greatest Secret. Frankly she called for Bottles of Wine, which we smartly drank together out of Beer-glasses: had not Supper been speedily provided, which required a cessation for some time, I should not have been in a condition to discern the Dish, nor him that brought it to the Table. Having taken some repast, I began to be refresht, she not in the least disturbed all this while. I prest her to tell me what she was, and what manner of life she led. Sir, said she, I cannot deny your request; wherefore to satisfie you, know that I was the Daughter of a Sword-Cutler. In my younger days my Mother would have taught me to handle a Needle; but my Martial spirit gain-said all perswasions to that purpose. I could never endure to be among the Utensils of the Kitchin, but spent most of my time in my Fathers shop, taking wonderful delight in handling those Warlike Instruments: to take a Sword in my hand well mounted and brandish it, was reckoned by me among the chief of my recreations. Being about a douzen years of age, I studied all wayes imaginable how I might make my self acquainted with a Fencing-Master. Time brought my desires to their complement, for such a one as I wisht for, casually came into our Shop to have his blade furnisht; and Fortune so ordered it, there was none to answer him but my self. Having given him that satisfaction he desired, though not expecting it from me: Amongst other talke I demanded of him whether he was not a Professor of the Noble Science? (for I guest so much by his Postures, Looks, and expressions.) He told me he was a well-willer thereunto. Being glad of this opportunity, desiring him to conceal my intentions, I requested him the favour as to give me some instructions how I should manage a Sword: at first he seemed amazed at my proposal, but perceiving I was in earnest, he granted my petition, allotting me such a time to come to him as was most convenient. I became so expert at Back-sword and Single-Rapier in a short time, that I needed not his assistance any longer; My Parents not in the least mistrusting any such thing.