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_