is; I should like to ask her how much she has
got? and which way she came by it? A child I am sure is no richer than a
beggar, for they have not a farthing that is not given them through mere
bounty; whereas a servant who works for his living, has a right and just
claim to his wages, and may truly call them his own; but a child has
not one farthing that is not its parents. So here's my service to you,
Miss,' said he, (again lifting the ale-mug to his mouth) 'and wishing
her a speedy reformation of manners, I drink to her very good health.'

John drank to the bottom of the mug, and then shaking the last drop
into the ashes under the grate, he told the following story, as he sat
swinging the mug by its handle across his two forefingers, which he had
joined for that purpose.

'When my father was a young man he lived at one Mr. Speedgo's, as upper
footman: they were vastly rich. Mr. Speedgo was a merchant, and by good
luck he gathered gold as fast as his neighbours would pick up stones (as
a body may say). So they kept two or three carriages, there was a coach,
and a chariot, and a phaeton, and I can't tell what besides, and a power
of servants you may well suppose to attend them all; and very well they
lived, with plenty of victuals and drink. But though they wanted for
nothing still they never much loved either their master or mistress,
they used to give their orders in so haughty and imperious a manner; and
if asked a civil question, answer so shortly, as if they thought their
servants not worthy of their notice: so that, in short, no one loved
them, nor their children either, for they brought them up just like
themselves, to despise everyone poorer than they were; and to speak as
cross to their servants as if they had been so many adders they were
afraid would bite them.

'I have heard my father say, that if Master Speedgo wanted his horse
to be got ready, he would say, "Saddle my horse!" in such a displeasing
manner as made it quite a burthen to do anything for him. Or if the
young ladies wanted a piece of bread and butter, or cake, they would
say, "Give me a bit of cake;" or, if they added the word pray to
it, they spoke in such a grumpy way, as plainly showed they thought
themselves a deal better than their servants; forgetting that an honest
servant is just as worthy a member of society as his master, and whilst
he behaves well, as much deserving of civility as anybody. But to go
on with my story. I have already t