ays with a consideration of Mr. Godwin's taste, so
that I think she would not buy a pair of stockings but she must ask
herself whether he would admire 'em. And the more she had, the more
eager she grew to have, buying by candle-light, which was an imprudence,
and making no sort of bargain, but giving all the shopkeepers asked for
their wares, which, to be sure, was another piece of recklessness. This
business seemed to me the most wearisome in the world, but it served
only to increase her energies, and she would not be persuaded to desist
until, the shops closing, she could lay out no more money that night.
Supped very well (but mighty late) at the Tabard inn, where we lay all
night. And the next morning, Moll's fever still unabated, we set out
again a-shopping, and no rest until we caught the stage (and that by a
miracle) at four; and so home, dead beat.

_December 18._ Moll mad all day because the carrier hath brought but
half her purchases, and they not what she wanted. By the evening waggon
come three seamstresses she engaged yesterday morning, and they are to
stay in the house till all is finished; but as yet nothing for them to
do, which is less grievous to them than to poor Moll, who, I believe,
would set 'em working all night for fear she shall not be fitted against
her wedding.

_December 19._ Thank God, the carrier brought all our packages this
morning, and they being all undone and laid out, there is no sitting
down anywhere with comfort, but all confusion, and no regularity
anywhere, so I was content to get my meals in the kitchen the best I
could. And here I do perceive the wisdom of Don Sanchez, who did not
return with us from London, and does intend (he told me) to stay there
till the wedding eve. _December 20._ Moll, bit by a new maggot, tells me
this morning she will have a great feast on Christmas day, and bids me
order matters accordingly. She will have a whole ox roasted before the
house by midday, and barrels of strong ale set up, that there may be
meat and drink for all who choose to take it; and at four she will have
a supper of geese, turkeys, and plum puddings for all her tenants, their
wives and sweethearts, with fiddles afterwards for dancing, etc. Lord
knows how we shall come out of this madness; but I have got the
innkeeper (a busy, capable man) to help me, and he does assure me all
will go well enough, and I pray he be right.

_December 21._ Sick with fears that all must end ill. For the