_Mrs. Mary relates how that she, being got with Child at the
Boarding-school, is renounced by her Parents, but provided for her by
her Aunt, where she lay in of a Daughter: after which she is courted
in way of marriage by a Gentleman, who hearing of her mischance,
instead of marriage onely abuses her; and being ingaged in a quarrel
about her, leaves her to shift for her self,_ &c.
In the discourse that I shall make to you concerning those accidents or
misfortunes that have befallen me, I shall neither be reserved nor
tedious, but plain and short; for I have no reason to disguise any of my
actions to two such persons, who are so generally well acquainted with
the general affairs of the World, and who have such a particular
knowledge of me: Though, said she to me, I must needs confess I received
very much pleasure in the first imbraces I had with you; when, though I
supposed my self in bed with one of my own Sex, yet I found the
contrary, and then tasted the pleasures of a Male bedfellow: though,
said I, the sweets of that converse were delightful at present; yet I
have through that onely occasion suffered many crosses, and been
accompanied with much affliction and trouble, which soon overtook me.
I was very young, not being above sixteen years of age when I first lay
with you; and so innocent I was at that age, that I did not imagine that
I should have found so sudden an alteration in my body, as was thereby
occasioned; neither did I conceive what would be the effects thereof,
till some of my other companions, who had lain with you before me, were
discovered to be sick, and the occasion of their distemper being
enquired into, it was found they were with Child, and then I did guess
my self to be in the same condition.
I suppose you are not ignorant of what you had done, and therefore took
your flight; but though you contrived your escape cunningly enough by
putting on mens apparel, yet it was observed, and you were followed so
narrowly, that we supposed you had been taken, but it proved otherwise.
Yes, replied I, when I made my escape, I made for _London_, and being
habited in a suit of Clothes of my Mistresses sons, I was fearful of
being discovered and known by them, and therefore meeting with a young
man of my acquaintance: I remember, I perswaded him to exchange Clothes
with me, and so I escaped; but I would gladly know how he came off.
Truely, replied Mrs. _Mary_, that story was somewhat strange, for the
Constable who seized him, had orders not to make much noise in the
matter, but only to secure him at present in his own house, which he
having done, came to our Boarding-School, and acquainted our Mistress
that he had secured the party; this being known, my Mistress sent her
son whose Clothes were stollen to the place; where in stead of finding
our maid _Jane_ (for by that name, I remember you went, when you lived
with us) he saw a strange young man in his Clothes, though he was told
before you had his Clothes on, which he yet saw before him, yet he knew
you well enough, not to be so mistaken: for the party that was in that
habit was nothing like you; he therefore thought that all that had been
reported to him was false, till he had made a further enquiry of the
young man your friend, who was first asked, where he had those Clothes:
he not knowing any reason he should deny any thing of the truth, freely
and fully acknowledged that he had them in exchange of his own, of a
young man his friend; and being asked many other questions, As whether
he knew you? and knew you to be a man? and where this exchange was made?
He fully resolved his Examiners of all questions, and proved the
exchange of Clothes by the people of the house where the exchange was
made.
My Mistresses son being returned with this answer to his Mother, it
caused great wonder in all who were not privy to your disguize, but
there being about seven or eight of us, who were knowing of that secret,
and were known to lie with you, we were all privately examined, and some
of us having been sick for some time before, and now strictly examined
of the cause, and whether we knew any thing of your disguize, and
whether you were man or woman; we could not hide or deny our knowledge
thereof. Upon this discovery, our Mistress (though she was termed a very
discreet person) was so outragious, that we thought she would have lost
the ordinary use of her Sences; and several revenges she propounded to
take of you, not thinking you were escaped her power: but when she
understood that you were gone, she caused all privy search and enquiry
to be made after you, but to no purpose. The young man, your friend, who
had been secured, was discharged, as being found wholly innocent of the
crime; and neither was he deprived of his Clothes, but had them freely
given to him, and a good sum of money promised him if he could find and
secure you: but though much endeavour was used to find you, yet I could
never hear any thing of you, till this late encounter.
But to proceed in my story, our Mistress upon second thoughts resolved
to keep this business private for some longer time, to see how many of
those seven or eight with whom you had lain, would prove with child; and
it was not long before she found that five of the number were pregnant,
whereof I was one. How she ordered the matter with the rest, I know not;
but for my own part, my father being made acquainted with my misfortune,
wholly refused to take any care or notice of me; neither have I ever
since seen his face; for though I suppose he loved me well enough; yet I
had a Mother-in-law, who might perswade him to slight me, and made use
of this occasion to throw me off: but though I was thus cast off by my
father, yet I had an Aunt, who was sister to my own mother, who came and
visited me; and finding that what was pass’d could not be help’d, took
me home with her to her house, where after the usual time of Womens
breeding and bearing children, I was delivered of a Daughter, which was
soon after its birth sent further into the Country to be nursed: and I
suppose it was carried thus privately, in hopes to soulder up the crack
that might be in my reputation, which though it did for the present, yet
it soon after brake out again.
For a young Gentleman who lived in the next Town to that where my Aunt
dwelt, having seen me, fell deeply in love with me, and often waited on
me at my Aunts, and took many opportunites of meeting me abroad. Though
I liked and loved him well enough, and could have been pleased to have
entertained his love with liking at the first offer of it, yet I was
commanded by my Aunt to stand off, and be coy in my entertaining of him,
lest, as she said, he might by my freeness suspect me of lightness: for
the matter had been so privately carried in my lying in, that it was not
known to him, nor any, but some few in the House; and to all others I
passed as a Virgin. I taking this advice of my Aunt, gave him but
indifferent entertainment; so that he who was passionately in love with
me, devised all ways he could to woe, please and win me; and to that end
he not only presented me with many Gifts, as marks of his affection, but
also (according to custom) and that so largely, that she promised him
all her assistance, and gave him notice of all opportunities whereby he
might wait on me, and please me. All things were now brought to a very
good pass, and my Aunt had so prudently managed this affair, that my
Father was content to part from a considerable sum of money for my
advancement; which was to the full satisfaction of the Gentleman who
courted me.
There wanted nothing now to conclude this affair but the accomplishment
of a few days, in which all Writings were to be sealed, and the Wedding
to be consummated; when all was undone, and in that I undone, by the
treachery and perfidiousness of this my servant-maid. For she having
received Gifts of the young Gentleman, and I having angred her in a
trivial matter, she to be revenged on me, did acquaint my Suitor with my
condition, and that I should not die of my first child, for he should be
a father the first day of Marriage. Although at her first declaring this
matter to him, he could not give credit thereto, yet she affirmed the
same with so many, and so earnest asseverations, that he was confirmed
in that belief, and therefore enjoyning her to secresie and assistance,
and to that end presenting her with somewhat that was considerable, he
left her; and now being resolved to deceive me as I intended him; he
ordered his affairs accordingly, and to that end he caused some delay to
be used in the Writings.
We being now, as I thought, as good as man and Wife, I entertained him
with much freedom, and he courted me with less observance, coming now
closer to me in his salutes and embraces: I was so pleased with him in
all his actions, that I became wholly at his Devotion, and therefore
without the consent and knowledge of my Aunt, we went together out of
the Town to a merry-making of several of his Acquaintance, where we
stay’d somewhat late, and he having caused me to drink to a good height,
made a halt by the way, and we went into an Inn of his Acquaintance, he
pretending somewhat was amiss in one of his Horses shoes: here we having
privacy, he attempted to be more free with me then ever, and prevailed
so far with me, that he had the examining of my Plackett, with more
freedom then modesty would allow of; but though he would have proceeded
further, yet I refused it; he seeing this desisted, and we again
remounted our Horses, and he conducted me safely to my Aunts: but
although it was very late, yet she sat up, and expected me; and
expressed her self very angry with him for keeping me out so
unseasonably; he did not well rellish her words, but reply’d somewhat
tartly to her again; which encreased her anger, and raised it to some
passion, and so in anger they at that time parted, he riding home to his
own house. I was likewise sufficiently school’d by my Aunt; but I
excused all with soft answers, and pleading obedience, which I thought I
was bound to pay him, being our Marriage was so soon to be celebrated.
My Lover was resolved to make use of that days experience of my
easiness, and my Aunts anger, which he was well enough pleased should
continue, and therefore forbore coming to visit me; but he sent a
messenger to my Maid (who had betray’d me) to give him a meeting: she
obeyed his summons, and there, and then was my ruine contrived; for it
was agreed between them two, that she should perswade me to be ruled by
him in every thing, without acquainting my Aunt any more with my
proceedings; and a Letter was written, wherein he expressed a
continuance of his love, and desires of mine; and for a proof thereof,
he desired me to provide my self to meet him at a place appointed; which
I did, and there we concluded to go for _London_ together, where he
promised to marry me without any more delays. I believing him in every
thing (being perswaded thereto by my treacherous servant) took onely
some few necessaries with me, and so went to him. And thus leaving all,
went with him to _London_, where when we were arrived, he went to some
lodgings which he had provided, as he said, for himself and wife. I was
at first contented with the discourse and name of wife; but when
bed-time came, I was not fully satisfied to go to bed with him; which
though I at first opposed, yet in the end, after many protestations of
his next days performance of marriage, I consented to, and thereby
agreed to my undoing; for the next day, instead of marriage, he went out
in the morning, leaving me onely with the Landlady of the house, and
returned not in two days; and then he pretended he had been in great
vexation, for that the morning he left me, he being going to speak with
a Priest to marry us, he was met with by a person, to whom he was a
little indebted, who basely trappan’d and arrested him, and he was
forced to be in the custody of Bayliffs ever since, till he had
perswaded a friend to lend him some monies, which together with what he
had of his own, he said he had paid to his debtor, and so was
discharged. And now, said he to me, I have sent home for some more
monies, which I know will be brought me in two days time, and then I
shall put an end to this business of our marriage.
Although I seemed discontented with what he told me, and did begin to
believe that he would abuse me; yet I knew it was to no purpose to be
very angry, and onely caused him to give me fresh protestations of the
honesty of his intentions, and that as soon as ever his money was come,
he would fulfil all my desires.
Thus was I forced to be contented with what he said, and to comply with
him in all his desires: for we lay together; but I kept within doors
very privately, refusing to be seen by any body, till such time as our
Wedding should be over.
But though two or three days and a week was now past since he pretended
he had sent into the Country for money, yet there came no returns; at
which I was very much discontented, he also seeming dissatisfyed. I then
told him, that I had brought a small sum of money with me, which I
supposed would be sufficient to pay the charges of that occasion. He
asked me how much I had, I told him about 10_l._ I remember he was
somewhat blanck, and at a nonpluss at this proposition: but he soon
recovering himself, told me that he expected 100_l._ to be brought him,
and that would be little enough to defray all the charge he intended to
be at; for he proposed to lay it all out in Clothes for me and himself,
that we might appear the more splendidly, not only to some friends in
_London_, whom he proposed to visit soon after marriage, but also in the
Country whither he intended in short time to return to demand my
portion, and settle all things according to the agreement of our
friends: and as for the small sum of 10_l._ he told me I would have
occasion to lay it out in trivial things on that occasion.
Thus was I put off at this time; and indeed so often afterwards, that I
in plain terms told him that I supposed he intended to abuse me, he
being resolved to stand the brunt of all my exclamations at this time,
did not endeavour, as formerly to pacifie me, but rather provoked me to
say more, and be more angry with him, which I was, and reproached him
with the abuse he had done me. He having heard the utmost of what I
could say, in short told me, that he was the abused party; for should he
marry me, as he intended, he should have a greater charge to maintain
then I had told him of, for he had understood that I was Mother of a
Childe; and so the abuse that I would put on him was double: I was so
surprised with what he said, that I was more dead then alive, and could
not for a long time speak to him? and when I attempted it, I knew not
what to say for my self, for he directly told me, that he was acquainted
with every particular of that my misfortune: and thus having said, he
left me.
Many and sad were the thoughts I entertained in my minde, and I
perceived my self to be miserable: for to return to my Aunt, I knew it
would be to no purpose, I having thus abused her in my last leaving her.
Therefore I concluded it was my best course at present to comply with
the desires of my first Lover, not knowing whom to flee to for refuge;
wherefore at his return home, I began to him in tears to lament my sad
condition, begging his pardon for what was past, cleerly confessing the
truth of all my former misfortune, and that I would for the future be
very obedient and constant to him in all things: he gave me the hearing
of what I said, and told me all should be well; but I could never finde
him after that inclinable to marry me, onely putting me off with one
pretence or other; and having a full enjoyment of me already, cared for
no more: and now to content and please him, I must not only entertain
several of his friends at home at our lodging, but also wait on him
abroad; and instead of Wife, I passed for his Cozen.
Amongst other persons that came to visit him, there was a Gentleman of
good quality, who being of his intimate Acquaintance, was frequent at
our Lodgings: he taking his opportunity to find me alone, made a tender
of his love and service to me, and offered me his assistance in every
thing I should command him. I finding that he understood somewhat of my
condition already, and believing it would be to no purpose to conceal
any thing from him, did make him an exact and true narrative of my
misfortunes: he was much troubled at the recital of things so strange,
but did comfort me the best he could, promising me his best assistance
in putting his friend on to perform his promisie of Marriage: for, said
he, I know little reason he hath to deny or refuse it. For your first
misfortune at the Boarding-School, was so subtil a business, that you
cannot well be blamed for it.
This Gentleman accordingly did endeavour to possess my hoped for Husband
with that opinion, and to perswade him to marry me, but all in vain; for
he had now all the sweets he could expect from me, having lain with me
now for above a moneth together, and in that time I endeavoured with all
the artifice I could, to give him all possible content: but he was now
cloy’d; and therefore told his friend, that for his Mistress he intended
to keep me, but never to have me for a Wife. I was neer distracted when
this answer was told me; but the Gentleman did again comfort me,
promising that he hoped in short time to put all things to rights again.
I seeing it was to no purpose to be angry, resolved to bear all things
with patience, and seem to be frolick, which was to a good height; and
this Gentleman seeing me in so merry a humor, was desirous to put in for
a share in the pleasure of my enjoyments, and to that end now courted me
indeed: he had been so civil to me in these late transactions, that I
could not handsomely refuse him any thing; but however, I for some time
held out against all his loving importunities; but he having an absolute
freedome in our lodging, so waited his opportunity, that he won me to
his embraces, and had a full possession of me. Thus was I enjoyed by two
men; but my last lover was very cautious in keeping this his enjoyment
from the knowledge of his friend, and we took opportunities in his
absence to renew our pleasures. But at length we grew so bold in these
practices, that my first Lover discovered us, and watching his
opportunity by hiding himself in the Chamber, he took us in the manner.
He discovering himself, used many outragious speeches to me and my
Companion, as, that he abused him, in perswading and urging him to marry
with one who was his prostitute: the other flew out into high
expressions; and being valorous enough, they drew their weapons, and
before I could get any to interpose and hinder their fight, my new Lover
was wounded, and that, so desperately, that he fell; the other seeing
that, and supposing him killed, fled, and so left me: and my wounded
friend being visited by Chirurgeons, recovered a little, but desired to
be removed to his own Lodgings, lest he might be prejudiced by the
various reports that would run upon this occasion; I was likewise
willing to have it so, as thinking it most convenient.
Thus was I left alone, and I, who lately had two Lovers and Servants,
was now left without any; for my old Friend came no more after me, and
my new Servant who was wounded, was forced for his health-sake to be
carried into the Country.
Now did I find my self truly distressed, for I wholly retired my self,
not seeing any man, and was only accompanied by my Landlady, and another
antient woman who frequented her house. In vain did I expect the return
of either of my Lovers, and almost all my Moneys was gone, in Diet, and
for payment of Lodging. My Landlady proposed several ways and courses
for me to take, as to send to my first friend who brought me thither,
which I did, but could not hear of him; she would have had me send to my
Aunt, but I wholly refused so to do, being resolved to bear with any
necessities, rather then again to apply my self to her.
The other old woman, who, I told you, frequented our house, did then put
in some words to the Discourse, and my Landlady leaving us together, she
told me, that if I would be ruled by her, she would so order matters,
that I should want for nothing, and live the most pleasantest life in
the World. I who was now miserable enough, was well enough pleased to
hear of pleasure, and bid her say on: She thereupon told me, that it was
great pity that so delicate a beauty as mine should be closeted up, and
that I should spend that time in tears and lamentations, which might not
only be a pleasure to my self, but many others who would love me with a
great deal of passion; and whereas hitherto I had only been reserved to
serve the pleasures of one man, or two at the most, and for that I had
only reap’d sorrow and trouble, that I might command many, who would,
not only please and serve me, but I should command their purses by
having money enough at my own dispose. Many words to this purpose she
uttered, and many Arguments she used. Though at the first I did not
understand what she aimed at, yet by several Questions, which she
answered me, I found she would have me prostitute my body for my
pleasure, and to gain a livelyhood; and in fine, should get my living
with the hands I sat on.
Though I had tasted man, as first with you, and afterwards had two at a
time, my two late Lovers, and by that was induced to desire more of the
same pleasures, yet I was extreamly unwilling to prostitute my body to
every fellow that should bring money in his hand; and this I supposed I
must do, if once I undertook that course. Thus I reasoned with this old
woman, but she told me, No, I should not do so, for I should only have
my choice of what, and whom I liked, and few of such would be profitable
enough to maintain me in a splendid Garb; and to this she gave me so
many reasons; that I consenting to leave my Lodgings, went with her to
the place where she conducted me.
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