s
of my fair enslaver, I was met by a gentlewoman, who, having looked hard
at me, cried, "O Christ, Mr. Random!" Surprised at this exclamation,
I examined the countenance of the person who spoke, and immediately
recognised my old sweetheart and fellow sufferer, Miss Williams.

I was mightily pleased to find this unfortunate woman under such a
decent appearance, professed my joy at seeing her so well, and desired
to know where I should have the pleasure of her conversation. She was as
heartily rejoiced at the apparent easiness of my fortune, and gave me
to know that she, as yet, had no habitation that she could properly call
her own; but would wait on me at any place I should please to appoint.
Understanding that she was unengaged for the present, I showed her the
way to my lodgings, where, after a very affectionate salutation, she
informed me of her being very happy in the service of a young lady
to whom she was recommended by a former mistress deceased, into
whose family she had recommended herself by the honest deceit she had
concerted, while she lived with me in the garret at London. She then
expressed a vehement desire to be acquainted with the vicissitudes of
my life since we parted, and excused her curiosity on account of the
concern she had for my interest. I forthwith gratified her request, and,
when I described my situation in Sussex, perceived her to attend to my
story with particular eagerness. She interrupted me, when I had finished
that period, with, "Good God! is it possible?" and then begged I would
be so good as to continue my relation; which I did as briefly as I
could, burning with impatience to know the cause of her surprise, about
which I had already formed a very interesting conjecture.

When I had brought my adventures down to the present day, who seemed
very much affected with the different circumstances of my fortune; and
saying, with a smile, she believed my distresses were now at a period,
proceeded to inform me that the lady whom she served was no other than
the charming Narcissa, who had honoured her with her confidence for some
time; in consequence of which trust, she had often repeated the story
of John Brown with great admiration and regard; that she loved to dwell
upon the particulars of his character, and did not scruple to own a
tender approbation of his flame. I became delirious at this piece of
intelligence, strained Miss Williams in my embrace, called her the angel
of my happiness,