a
young Lady of excellent Beauty, Education, and Virtue; who, fore-seeing
the utter Ruin of the Estate, if not timely prevented, daily begg'd of
him, with Prayers and Tears, that might have mov'd a _Scythian_ or wild
_Arab_, or indeed any thing but him, to pay her her Portion. To which,
however, he seemingly consented, and promis'd to take her to Town with
him, and there give her all the Satisfaction she cou'd expect: And
having dipp'd some paltry Acres of Land, deeper than ever Heaven dipp'd
'em in Rain, he was as good as his Word, and brought her to Town with
him, where he told her he would place her with an ancient Lady, with
whom he had contracted a Friendship at his first coming to _London_;
adding, that she was a Lady of incomparable Morals, and of a matchless
Life and Conversation. _Philadelphia_ took him in the best Sense, and
was very desirous to be planted in the same House with her, hoping she
might grow to as great a Perfection in such excellent Qualifications, as
she imagined 'em. About four Days therefore after they had been in Town,
she sollicits her Brother to wait on that Lady with her: He reply'd,
that it is absolutely Necessary and Convenient that I should first
acquaint her with my Design, and beg that she will be pleas'd to take
you into her Care, and this shall be my chief Business to Day:
Accordingly, that very Hour he went to the Lady _Beldams_, his reverend
and honourable Acquaintance, whom he prepar'd for the Reception of his
Sister, who he told her was a Cast-Mistress of his, and desir'd her
Assistance to prevent the Trouble and Charge, which she knew such Cattle
would bring upon young Gentlemen of plentiful Estates. To morrow Morning
about Eleven, I'll leave her with your Ladyship, who, I doubt not, will
give her a wholesome Lesson or two before Night, and your Reward is
certain. My Son, (return'd she) I know the Greatness of your Spirit, the
Heat of your Temper has both warm'd and inflam'd me! I joy to see you in
Town again--Ah! That I could but recal one twenty Years for your
Sake!--Well--no matter.--I won't forget your Instructions, nor my Duty
to Morrow: In the mean time, I'll drink your Health in a Bottle of
_Sherry_ or two, O! Cry your Mercy, good my Lady _Beldam_, (said the
young Debauchee) I had like to have forfeited my Title to your Care, in
not remembring to leave you an Obligation. There are three Guinea's,
which, I hope, will plead for me till to Morrow.--So--Your Ladyship's
Serv