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
what you'd have me, if you please to tell me what it is: Why said he, your
Business will be Easie enough, and pleasant enough: For we intend to take a
very good Lodging for you, and provide you with all things necessary; and
your Business shall only be to lie with one of us one Night, and the other
another. The chief thing we shall desire of you, is only to keep your self
entirely to us, and not stir out without our Approbation. And for other
things you shall have what you will, and be maintain'd like a Gentlewoman;
For we'll maintain you; and the Money you shall have, shall be for your own
Occasions, and to find you New Cloths. _Well, Sir, says I, for such things
we shou'd not differ; but we in the Country think 'tis a Wicked thing to
lye with Folks, unless they be Married; and then they mun be married but to
one nother: And so that mun not be, Sir._ I know not what you do in the
Country, _says one of the Sparks_, but here in _London_ 'tis as common as
Washing of Dishes. And People of the best Quality do it. Look ye,
_continued he_, to Encourage you, we will give you Thirty Pounds a Year:
And Maintain you besides. We cou'd have enow in Town to serve us, and thank
you too; but we look upon you to be an Innocent Country Maid, and for that
reason we had rather have you than another: Are you sure you are a Maid,