eing brow-beaten. He had, it
seems, asked, at the alehouse, what family the 'squire had down here, in
hopes to hear something of me: And they said, A housekeeper, two maids,
and, at present, two coachmen, and two grooms, a footman, and a helper.
Was that all? he said. They told him, there was a young creature there,
belike who was, or was to be, his mistress, or somewhat of that nature;
but had been his mother's waiting-maid. This, he said, grieved his
heart, and confirmed his fears.

So he went on, and about three o'clock in the afternoon came to the
gate; and, ringing there, Sir Simon's coachman went to the iron gate;
and he asked for the housekeeper; though, from what I had written, in
his heart he could not abide her. She sent for him in, little thinking
who he was, and asked him, in the little hall, what his business with
her was?--Only, madam, said he, whether I cannot speak one word with the
'squire? No, friend, said she; he is engaged with several gentlemen and
ladies. Said he, I have business with his honour of greater consequence
to me than either life or death; and tears stood in his eyes.

At that she went into the great parlour, where my master was talking
very pleasantly with the ladies; and she said, Sir, here is a good tight
old man, that wants to see you on business of life and death, he says,
and is very earnest. Ay, said he, Who can that be?--Let him stay in the
little hall, and I'll come to him presently. They all seemed to stare;
and Sir Simon said, No more nor less, I dare say, my good friend, but
a bastard-child. If it is, said Lady Jones, bring it in to us. I will,
said he.

Mrs. Jewkes tells me, my master was much surprised, when he saw who it
was; and she much more, when my dear father said,--Good God! give me
patience! but, as great as you are, sir, I must ask for my child! and
burst out into tears. (O what trouble have I given you both!) My master
said, taking him by the hand, Don't be uneasy, Goodman Andrews; your
daughter is in the way to be happy.

This alarmed my dear father, and he said, What! then, is she dying? And
trembled, he could scarce stand. My master made him sit down, and sat
down by him, and said, No; God be praised! she is very well: And pray
be comforted; I cannot bear to see you thus apprehensive; but she has
written you a letter to assure you, that she has reason to be well
satisfied, and happy.

Ah, sir I said he, you told me once she was in London, waiting on a
bis