esired me to go and take part of a Glass of Wine with them; which I at
first seem'd to scruple, but being more importunately urg'd, I was easily
perswaded. And so went to the _Feathers-Tavern_ near _Queenstreet_ Corner
in _Cheapside_; where a Glass of _Canary_ being call'd for, one of 'em
drank to me, and I drank to the other. After which one of 'em came pretty
close up to me, and would needs have been feeling where I was'nt willing to
let him, whereupon I told him he was very uncivil to invite one that was a
Stranger to a Tavern; and then to offer any such thing to her. Let her
alone says the other, I believe she's but new come out of the Countrey, and
does not understand the way of the Town: Pray, Sweet-heart, says he,
addressing himself to me, How long have you been in Town? Ever since last
_Fryday_, said I: But pray, why do ye ask? To be plain with ye, says he,
This young Man and my self have a Request to you, which if you grant, may
be for your Advantage as long as you live: Pray, Sir, said I what's that?
Why, says he, we are both Apprentices in one House, at a _Linnen drapers_
in _Cornhill_? (but 'tis no Matter for that, for you don't know Places yet)
and we have a mind to keep a young Woman between us; and we wou'd willingly
have a Countrey-Maid, that is'nt much acquainted with the Town; and if you
please, you shall be she. I presently smoaked their design, but behav'd my
self as ignorantly as I cou'd on purpose, because I found there was
something to be got by 'em. So I reply'd, Withal my heart, Sir, if we can
agree, for I want a good Service. Well, says the other Spark that wou'd
have been so forward with me, We shan't disagree, I dare say. What Wages do
you ask? Why Sir, says I, I have liv'd in good Gentlemens Houses in
_Lancashire_; and I think I deserve Four pounds a Year. Well, well, says
the other we shall give you Four times Four pounds a year and more: But
then you must do what we'd have you. Yes, said I, I shall be willing to do
what you'd have me, if you please to tell me what it is: Why said he, your
Business will be Easie enough, and pleasant enough: For we intend to take a
very good Lodging for you, and provide you with all things necessary; and
your Business shall only be to lie with one of us one Night, and the other
another. The chief thing we shall desire of you, is only to keep your self
entirely to us, and not stir out without our Approbation. And for other
things you shall have what you will, and