raight in. "Who are you?" "Where is the
housemaid?" said I, "I have promised Mrs. W-----to call and see from
time to time." "Oh! I'm her sister sir, my name is-----, I sleep here
every night sir, Mrs. W----- pays me to do so sir,--my sister is out
sir,--I'm very sorry, but she is not at all well from being confined to
the house so much,--I told her she might go to church,--it would be a
change, and give her a little fresh air;--she will be back at half-past
four sir." "Oh! so you are Mr. So-and-So?" "Yes I am." I walked into the
parlours. There was a large beer-jug and two tumblers on the table, and
ale in one glass. She rushed to take them away. "I beg pardon sir, but
Mrs. W------ said we might sit in the parlours, when we have done work,
and on Sundays besides, cause it's so dull in the kitchens." The woman
was agitated at her sister being out, and at being caught drinking beer
in the parlour; she thought I might make mischief, I suppose.

I told her that she need not disturb herself, for I should not stay
long, and kept looking with cock already stiffening into her face,
then at her arms, then at the bottom of her belly, and in my mind's eye
seeing the dark hair down there. I had planned conversation, but forgot
what to say, through thinking of her nakedness and sexual charms; and
stood staring at her till she turned her eyes away confused, and colored
up.

I continued to be embarrassed, and so lost recollection of all I had
intended to say and do, that I was actually going away. I asked one or
two stupid questions: if letters had come, if any one had been, and so
on; all the time thinking that I was looking through her clothes at her
naked charms. I was in a sort of a trance of baudiness which muddled me;
when noticing the ale-glass I asked, "What are you drinking?" "Fourpenny
ale sir." That reply broke the spell, my senses returned, I thought of
an excuse for stopping. "Give me a glass,--I'm thirsty." "That's the
last of it sir." "Can't you get some?" "The pot-boy brought that,--it's
Sunday, and the public is not always open." I looked at my watch. "It's
not church-time yet, send some one to fetch some,--I'm so thirsty, and
hot, and so tired,"--and I sat down. "I'm alone." "Is not your husband
here?" "No, no one." "Do you mind fetching me some?" "If you don't
mind waiting sir." "No." I gave her money. "How much?" "Oh! fill the
jug,--not with fourpenny,--with the best ale,--ask them to draw it
mild, and get me two