had but about two years
time to serve) I had observ'd was very sweet upon my Maid, who was handsome
enough; and having observed that he courted her, I used to watch them, and
by that means knew both the time and place of their Courtship; where they
used to spend some hours in an Evening when the shop was shut, according as
they could find opportunity. By my listening and over-hearing their Amorous
Discourse, I perceiv'd he solicited her hard for her last Favours, which
she would not consent to; and being resolved to improve this opportunity to
the accomplishing my own Desires, having over-heard 'em make their next
appointment, when the time drew near, I call'd my Chambermaid down (for she
it was that the Prentice courted) and sent her of an Errand at a
considerable distance, that she could not be back in two hours time, taking
care to see her out of doors my self by a back pair of Stairs, so that I
knew the Prentice cou'd know nothing of her being abroad, my Husband very
fortunately being absent likewise, I went to the place of meeting my self;
and the young couple being accustomed to converse without any Light, as
being unwilling to be discovered, I seated my self where my Chambermaid
used to do; and the Apprentice coming as usual, came up to me, and caress'd
me; whereupon I clap'd my Hand upon his Mouth, as a signal of his being
silent, and then embrac'd him very tenderly; and he being extasy'd with
this soft Entertainment, which was very pleasing to him, he was so far
blinded with his Passion, that he made no farther search, but imagining
that his Sweet heart was now come to his Terms he push'd on his design, and
met with such a compliance from me which he did not so easily expect; and I
must say, That I had not till that Time tasted the delights of Love: For he
manag'd his Business with so much Briskness and Vigour, that I was very
much pleas'd with the Encounter. When we had both performd our Parts to
equal Satisfaction; I caught him about the middle, and told him he shou'd
not go, till I knew who he was; for I made him believe I knew him not, and
first thought it was my Husband, but happened now too late to find the
contrary. My Spark at this was much surpriz'd, and his Amorous Passion
exchang'd into Fear; and therefore begging of my Pardon, he told me he took
me for the Chambermaid, and desir'd I wou'd conceal what had happen'd, and
not ruine him. Well, well, said I, I'll keep your secret; but it shall be
on this c