another steward can be found."

"Undoubtedly," says I. "But surely, sir, you'd not trust all to him
without some supervision. Large sums of money must pass through his
hands, and this must prove a great temptation to dishonest practices.
'Twould not be fair to any man."

"This is true," says he. "And yet from natural disinclination,
ignorance, and other reasons, I would keep out of it." Then after some
reflection he adds, "My cousin has told me how you have lost all your
fortune in saving her, and that 'tis not yet possible to repay you. May
I ask, sir, without offence, if you have any occupation for your time
when you leave us?"

"I went to London when I left you to see what might be done; but a
merchant without money is like a carpenter without tools."

"Then, sir, till your debt is discharged, or you can find some more
pleasant and profitable engagement, would you not consent to govern
these affairs? I do not ask you to stay here, though assuredly you will
ever be a welcome guest; but if you would have one of the houses on the
estate or come hither from time to time as it might fit your other
purposes, and take this office as a matter of business, I should regard
it as a most generous, friendly kindness on your part."

I promised him with some demur, and yet with the civility his offer
demanded, to consider of this; and so our debate ended, and I went to
bed, very well content with myself, for thus will vanity blind us to our
faults.

CHAPTER XXIV.

_I overcome Moll's honest compunctions, lay hold of three thousand
pounds more, and do otherwise play the part of rascal to perfection._

I got together six hundred pounds (out of the sum left us after paying
Don Sanchez his ten thousand), and delivered 'em to Mr. Godwin against
his note of hand, telling him at the same time that, having slept upon
his proposal, I was resolved to be his steward for three months, with
freedom on both sides to alter our position, according to our
convenience, at the end of that time, and would serve him and his lady
to the best of my power. Thanking me very heartily for my friendly
service to him (though, God knows, with little reason), he presently
left us. And Moll, coming back from taking tender leave of him at her
gates, appeared very downcast and pensive. However, after moping an hour
in her chamber, she comes to me in her hood, and begs I will take her a
walk to dispel her vapours. So we out across the common, it be