'I am so wretched, and ill-treated by this Mrs. Jewkes, and she is so
ill-principled a woman, that, as I may soon want the opportunity which
the happy hint of this day affords to my hopes, I throw myself at once
upon your goodness, without the least reserve; for I cannot be worse than
I am, should that fail me; which, I dare say, to your power, it will not:
For I see it, sir, in your looks, I hope it from your cloth, and I doubt
it not from your inclination, in a case circumstanced as my unhappy one
is. For, sir, in helping me out of my present distress, you perform all
the acts of religion in one; and the highest mercy and charity, both to
the body and soul of a poor wretch, that, believe me, sir, has, at
present, not so much as in thought swerved from her innocence.
'Is there not some way to be found out for my escape, without danger to
yourself? Is there no gentleman or lady of virtue in this neighbourhood,
to whom I may fly, only till l can find a way to get to my poor father
and mother? Cannot Lady Davers be made acquainted with my sad story, by
your conveying a letter to her? My poor parents are so low in the world,
they can do nothing but break their hearts for me; and that, I fear, will
be the end of it.
'My master promises, if I will be easy, as he calls it, in my present
lot, he will not come down without my consent.
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