Having been one day abroad, my Mistress desired me to call at the _Carriers_, to see if there was any young Country-Lasses come to Town (for our calling is not to be carried on to advantage without now and then having fresh Goods) I went to that purpose to _Bosom's Inn_; and had that day drest up my self like a Country-Lass that I might with the less difficulty engage 'em. But when I came thither, I found there was none: While I was asking the _Carrier_ when I might expect any, I saw a couple of young Gentlemen standing near me, as if they had some Business with the _Carrier_ when I had done; which occasion'd me to make the more haste: As soon as I had left the _Carrier_ and was come away, before I was got into _St. Lawrence Lane_, they over-took me, and ask'd me if I was not a _Lancashire_ Maid? I told 'em Yes; being resolv'd to know what their design was. Then they ask'd me what part of _Lancashire_? I told 'em _Preston_; for I was acquainted with the Names of the chief Towns there. They then desired me to go and take part of a Glass of Wine with them; which I at first seem'd to scruple, but being more importunately urg'd, I was easily perswaded. And so went to the _Feathers-Tavern_ near _Queenstreet_ Corner in _Cheapside_; where a Glass of _Canary_ being call'd for, one of 'em drank to me, and I drank to the other. After which one of 'em came pretty close up to me, and would needs have been feeling where I was'nt willing to let him, whereupon I told him he was very uncivil to invite one that was a Stranger to a Tavern; and then to offer any such thing to her. Let her alone says the other, I believe she's but new come out of the Countrey, and does not understand the way of the Town: Pray, Sweet-heart, says he, addressing himself to me, How long have you been in Town? Ever since last _Fryday_, said I: But pray, why do ye ask? To be plain with ye, says he, This young Man and my self have a Request to you, which if you grant, may be for your Advantage as long as you live: Pray, Sir, said I what's that? Why, says he, we are both Apprentices in one House, at a _Linnen drapers_ in _Cornhill_? (but 'tis no Matter for that, for you don't know Places yet) and we have a mind to keep a young Woman between us; and we wou'd willingly have a Countrey-Maid, that is'nt much acquainted with the Town; and if you please, you shall be she. I presently smoaked their design, but behav'd my self as ignorantly as I cou'd on purpose, because I found there was something to be got by 'em. So I reply'd, Withal my heart, Sir, if we can agree, for I want a good Service. Well, says the other Spark that wou'd have been so forward with me, We shan't disagree, I dare say. What Wages do you ask? Why Sir, says I, I have liv'd in good Gentlemens Houses in _Lancashire_; and I think I deserve Four pounds a Year. Well, well, says the other we shall give you Four times Four pounds a year and more: But then you must do what we'd have you. Yes, said I, I shall be willing to do