rom such gallants
as she should introduce to my acquaintance. The first stroke of
my dissimulation was practised upon a certain judge, to whom I was
recommended by this matron as an innocent creature just arrived from the
country.'

CHAPTER XXIII

Miss Williams interrupted by a bailiff, who carries her to the
Marshalsea--I accompany her--prove she is not the person named in the
writ--the bailiff is fain to discharge her--we shift our lodging--her
story, and my reflections thereupon--progress of a common woman of the
town--resolves to quit that way of life

Her story was here interrupted by a rap at the door, which I no sooner
opened, than three or four terrible fellows rushed in, one of whom
accosted my fellow-lodger thus: "Madam, your servant--you must do me
the favour to come along with me, I have a writ against you." While
the bailiff (for so he was) spoke thus, his followers surrounded the
prisoner, and began to handle her very roughly. This treatment incensed
me so much, that I snatched up the poker and would certainly have used
it in defence of the lady, without any regard to the strength and
number of her adversaries, had she not begged me, with a composure of
countenance for which I could not account, to use no violence on
her behalf, which could be of no service to her, but might be very
detrimental to myself. Then turning to the leader of this formidable
troop, she desired to see the writ, and having perused it, said with
a faltering voice, "I am not the person whose name is here mentioned,
arrest me at your peril." "Ay, ay, madam," replied the catchpole. "We
shall prove your identity. In the meantime, whither will you be pleased
to be carried, to my house, or to jail?" "If I must be confined," said
she, "I would rather be in your house than in a common jail." "Well,
well," answered he, "if you have money enough in your pocket, you shall
be entertained like a princess." But when she acquainted him with her
poverty, he swore he never gave credit, and ordered one of his myrmidons
to call a coach, to carry her to the Marshalsea at once. While they
waited for the convenience, she took me aside, and bade me be under no
concern on her account, for she knew how to extricate herself from
this difficulty very soon, and perhaps gain something by the occasion.
Although her discourse was a mystery to me, I was very well pleased
with her assurance; and when the coach came to the door, I offered to
accompany her