him, it happen'd that there came into the next Room a Country
Gentleman, who was a Steward to a Lady of a good Estate, and another
Gentleman who liv'd in _London_, and was to pay him fifty Guineas, which he
also did. After he had paid his Money, and the Steward had given him a
Receipt, they drank a Glass of Wine together, and talk'd of their
Acquaintance in the Country; and then the Steward ask'd how such and such
Persons did in _London_, and the Gentleman answer'd him accordingly: Among
others the Gentleman ask'd him if he did'nt know Mrs. _Pierpoint_? I did
know her formerly, said the Steward; but 'tis so long since I saw her, that
I have now quite forgot her: She's grown ancient, says the Gentleman, but
she has a Daughter that is a very fine Woman: Is she married says the
Steward? No, says the Gentleman, but she deserves a good Husband, for she's
very Handsome; and not only so, but she has a good Portion. After this
Discourse, the Gentleman takes a Glass, Come Mr. _Brightwell_ said he, to
the Steward, here's a good Health to Mrs. _Pierpoint_ and her Daughter Mrs.
_Betty_; withal my heart replied Mr. _Brightwel_, (for that was the
Steward's Name) and then he drank to the Gentleman, remembring all their
Friends in _Bedfordshire_, especially at _Hargrave_. All these Passages the
Bawd, who waited for one to come to her, in the next Room, heard
distinctly, and took especial Notice of them; determining in herself to
make some use of them: For she had a very great mind to be fingering of the
fifty Guineas, and was laying a Plot how to come at them. And since the Man
of Quality that was to meet her fail'd, she was resolv'd not to spend her
time altogether idly. And therefore having Paid for the Pint of Wine she
had call'd for, she attended the two Gentlemens motion; and finding they
were ready to go (she having taken a distinct view of them thro' a hole in
the wall) went out first herself, and waited in a convenient place for
their coming out, which was soon after. When they were parted, one going
towards _Long Lane_, and the other through St. _Bartholomews Hospital_, the
Bawd made it her Business to wait upon the Ladies Steward, who had the
Fifty Guinea's (which was the Prize she aim'd at) she takes an opportunity
of getting before him, and then meeting him in _Long-Lane_: And just as she
came at him, making a stand, I think, Sir, said she to him I shou'd know
you: If I been't mistaken, your'e a _Bedfordshire_ Man: I am so, Ma