Pray, Mrs. Jewkes, said I, don't madam me so: I am but a silly poor girl,
set up by the gambol of fortune, for a May-game; and now am to be
something, and now nothing, just as that thinks fit to sport with me: And
let you and me talk upon a foot together; for I am a servant inferior to
you, and so much the more, as I am turned out of place.
Ay, ay, says she, I understand something of the matter; you have so great
power over my master, that you may soon be mistress of us all; and so I
would oblige you, if I could. And I must and will call you madam; for I
am instructed to shew you all respect, I'll assure you.
Who instructed you so to do? said I. Who! my master, to be sure, said
she. Why, said I, how can that be? You have not seen him lately. No,
that's true, said she; but I have been expecting you here some time; (O
the deep laid wickedness! thought I:) and, besides, I have a letter of
instructions by Robin; but, may be, I should not have said so much. If
you would shew them to me, said I, I should be able to judge how far I
could, or could not, expect favour from you, consistent with your duty to
our master. I beg your pardon, fair mistress, for that, said she, I am
sufficiently instructed; and you may depend upon it, I will observe my
orders; and, so far as they will let me, so far will I oblige you; and
there's an end of it.
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