pair of Stockins on; by which means the Gallants would be sure either to
dog us 'emselves, or else to send their Footmen to see where we liv'd, and
then they would afterwards come to us themselves. By which means we have
got many a good Customer. And when we came home from Church, we generally,
if we had none of our Gallants with us, spent our time in reading of
Play-Books, that we might know the better how to entertain our Guests with
witty Discourses. Having, I say, spent several years in this calling, and
got some Monys by me, our Mistress happened to Die; and I finding the
Decays of Nature come upon me, and that I began to grow unserviceable, I
bought the Goods and Furniture my self, and so kept others under me, as my
Mistress had done before me. And drove that Trade in the same House (which
was in St. _Thomas Apostles_) for many years, and might have been there
still, had it not been for one Unfortunate Accident, which I'll next relate
to you.

One Day a Gentleman in a very good genteel Habit, knocks at my Door, which
I open'd my self, and ask'd him what he'd have? Upon which, coming in a
Doors, Madam, says he, I understand that you are a Person Charitably
Disposed, and do now and then help a Languishing Lady, or a Love-sick
Gallant: And therefore I took this Opportunity to Salute you, hoping that
you will shew the same kindness to me, that you have done to others upon
the same Considerations.--Sir, said I, you must give me leave to ask you
some Questions before we enter into any further conversation--With all my
heart, Madam, said he:--Then, said I, Pray who recommended you to me, on
that account? I hope you don't take me for a Bawd? Nay, Madam, said he,
pray don't affront me; Neither do I look like a Porter, common Soldier, or
Lacquey, so as to stand in need of a Bawds Assistance: Nor am I one of
those who will take up with what the Street affords: For I assure you I
don't eat _Baked Pudding_ or _Apple-Pye_ at _Holbourn-Bridge_, or such
other Places, as common Carmen do. Nor, to be plain with you, Madam, said