About Ten the next Morning, Sir _William_ took Coach with his Sister,
for the old Lady’s Enchanted Castle, taking only one Trunk of hers with
them for the present, promising her to send her other Things to her the
next Day. The young Lady was very joyfully and respectfully received by
her Brother’s venerable Acquaintance, who was mightily charm’d with her
Youth and Beauty. A Bottle of the Best was then strait brought in, and
not long after a very splendid Entertainment for Breakfast: The
Furniture was all very modish and rich, and the Attendance was suitable.
Nor was the Lady _Beldam’s_ Conversation less obliging and modest, than
Sir _William’s_ Discourse had given _Philadelphia_ occasion to expect.
After they had eaten and drank what they thought Convenient, the
reverend old Lady led ’em out of the Parlour to shew ’em the House,
every Room of which they found answerably furnish’d to that whence they
came. At last she led ’em into a very pleasant Chamber, richly hung, and
curiously adorn’d with the Pictures of several beautiful young Ladies,
wherein there was a Bed which might have been worthy the Reception of a
Dutchess: This, Madam, (said she) is your Apartment, with the
Anti-chamber, and little Withdrawing-Room. Alas, Madam! (returned the
dear innocent unthinking Lady) you set too great a Value on your
Servant; but I rather think your Ladyship designs me this Honour for the
sake of Sir _William_, who has had the Happiness of your Acquaintance
for some Months: Something for Sir _William_, (returned the venerable
Lady _Beldam_) but much more for your Ladyship’s own, as you will have
Occasion to find hereafter. I shall Study to deserve your Favours and
Friendship, Madam, reply’d _Philadelphia_: I hope you will, Madam, said
the barbarous Man. But my Business now calls me hence; to Morrow at
Dinner I will return to you, and Order the rest of your Things to be
brought with me. In the mean while (pursu’d the Traytor, kissing his
Sister, as he thought and hop’d the last time) be as chearful as you
can, my Dear! and expect all you can wish from me. A thousand Thanks, my
dearest Brother, return’d she, with Tears in her Eyes: And Madam, (said
he to his old mischievous Confederate, giving her a very rich Purse
which held 50 Guineas) be pleas’d to accept this Trifle, as an humble
Acknowledgment of the great Favour you do this Lady, and the Care of
her, which you promise; and I’m sure she cannot want. --So, once more,
(added he) my Dear! and, Madam! I am your humble Servant _Jusqu’
a Revoir_, and went out bowing. Heavens bless my dear Brother! (cry’d
_Philadelphia_) your Honour’s most Faithful and obedient Servant, said
the venerable _Beldam_.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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