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"No, indeed, sir," answered Booth, nor that they are worth thirty either."

"Then, sir," cries the Justice," the girl cannot be guilty of felony."

"How, sir!" said Booth, "is it not a breach of trust? and is not a breach of trust felony, and the worst felony too?"

"No, sir," answered the Justice; "a breach of trust is no crime in our law, unless it be in a servant; and then the act of parliament requires that the goods taken be of the value of forty shillings."

"So then a servant," cries Booth, "may rob his master of thirty-nine shillings whenever he pleases, and he can't be punished."

"If the goods are under his care he can't," cries the Justice.

"I ask your pardon, sir," says Booth. "I do not doubt what you say; but sure this is a very extraordinary law."

"Perhaps I think so too," said the Justice; "but it belongs not to my office to make or to mend laws. My business is only to execute them. If, therefore, the case be as you say, I must discharge the girl."

"I hope, however, you will punish the pawnbroker," cries Booth.

"If the girl is discharged," cries the Justice, "so must be the pawnbroker; for if the goods are not stolen, he cannot be guilty of receiving them, knowing them to be stolen. And, besides, as to his offence, to say the truth, I am almost weary of prosecuting it; for such are the difficulties laid in the way of this prosecution, that it is almost impossible to convict any one on it. And, to speak my opinion plainly, such are the laws, and such the method of proceeding, that one would almost think our laws were rather made for the protection of rogues, than for the punishment of them."

Thus ended this examination: the thief and the receiver went about their business, and Booth departed, in order to go home to his wife.

In his way home, Booth was met by a lady in a chair, who, immediately upon seeing him, stopped her chair, bolted out of it, and going directly up to him, said, "So, Mr Booth, you have kept your word with me.'

This lady was no other than Miss Matthews, and the speech she meant was of a promise made to her at the masquerade, of visiting her within a day or two, which whether he intended to keep I cannot say, but in truth the several accidents that had since happened to him, had so discomposed his mind, that he had absolutely forgot it. Booth, however, was too sensible, and too well bred, to make the excuse of forgetfulness to a lady; nor could he readily find any other. While he stood, therefore, hesitating, and looking not over wise, Miss Matthews said, "Well, sir, since by your confusion I see you have some grace left, I will pardon you on one condition, and that is, that you will sup with me this night.

But if you fail me now, expect all the revenge of an injured woman." She then bound herself by a most outrageous oath, that she would complain to his wife-" And I am sure," says she, "she is so much a woman of honour, as to do me justice. And though I miscarried in my first attempt, be assured I will take care of my second."

Booth asked what she meant by her first attempt; to which she answered, that she had already writ his wife an account of his ill usage of her, but that she was pleased it had miscarried. She then repeated her asseverations, that she would now do it effectually if he disappointed her.

This threat she reckoned would most certainly terrify poor Booth; and, indeed, she was not mistaken; for I believe it would have been impossible, by any other menace, or by any other means, to have brought him once even to balance in his mind on this question. But by this threat she prevailed; and Booth promised, upon his word and honour, to come to her at the hour she appointed. After which, she took leave of him with a squeeze by the hand, and a smiling countenance, and walked back to her chair.

But, however she might be pleased with having obtained this promise, Booth was far from being delighted with the thoughts of having given it. He looked, indeed, upon the consequences of this meeting with horror; but as to the consequence which was so apparently intended by the lady, he resolved against it. At length he came to this determination; to go, according to his appointment, to argue the matter with the lady, and to convince her, if possible, that from a regard to his honour only, he must discontinue her acquaintance. If this failed to satisfy her, and she still persisted in her threats to acquaint his wife with the affair, he then resolved, whatever pains it cost him, to communicate the whole truth himself to Amelia, from whose goodness he doubted not but to obtain an absolute remission.

CHAP. VIII.

In which Amelia appears in a light more amiable than gay.

WE will now return to Amelia, whom we left in some perturbation of mind departing from Mrs Atkinson.

Though she had before walked through the streets in a very improper dress with Mrs Atkinson, she was unwilling, especially as she was alone, to return in the same manner. Indeed she was scarce able to walk in her present condition; for the case of poor Atkinson had much affected her tender heart, and her eyes had overflown with many tears.

It occurred likewise to her at present, that she had not a single shilling in her pocket, or at home,

to provide food for herself and her family. In this situation she resolved to go immediately to the pawnbroker whither she had gone before, and to deposit her picture for what she could raise upon it. She then immediately took a chair, and put her design in execution.

The intrinsic value of the gold, in which this picture was set, and of the little diamonds which surrounded it, amounted to nine guineas. This, therefore, was advanced to her, and the prettiest face in the world (such is often the fate of beauty) was deposited, as of no value, into the bargain.

When she came home, she found the following letter from Mrs Atkinson:

"MY DEAREST MADAM,

"As I know your goodness, I could not delay a moment acquainting you with the happy turn of my affairs since you went. The doctor, on his return to visit my husband, has assured me, that the Captain was on the recovery, and in very little danger; and I really think he is since mended. I hope to wait on you soon with better news. Heaven bless you, dear madam; and believe me to be, with the utmost sincerity, "Your most obliged,

"Obedient humble servant,
"ATKINSON."

Amelia was really pleased with this letter; and now it being past four o'clock she despaired of seeing her husband till the evening. She therefore provided some tarts for her children, and then eating nothing but a slice of bread and butter herself, she began to prepare for the Captain's supper.

There were two things of which her husband was particularly fond, which, though it may bring the simplicity of his taste into great contempt with some of my readers, I will venture to name. These were a fowl and egg sauce, and mutton broth; both which Amelia immediately purchased.

As soon as the clock struck seven, the good creature went down into the kitchen, and began to exercise her talents of cookery, of which she was a great mistress, as she was of every economical office from the highest to the lowest; and as no woman could outshine her in a drawingroom, so none could make the drawing-room itself shine brighter than Amelia. And if I may speak a bold truth, I question whether it be possible to view this fine creature in a more amiable light than while she was dressing her husband's supper, with her little children playing round her.

It was now half an hour past eight, and the meat almost ready, the table likewise neatly spread with materials borrowed from her landlady, and she began to grow a little uneasy at Booth's not returning, when a sudden knock at

the door roused her spirits, and she cried, "There, my dear, there is your good papa;" at which words she darted swiftly up stairs, and opened the door to her husband.

She desired her husband to walk up into the dining-room, and she would come to him in an instant; for she was desirous to increase his pleasure, by surprising him with his two favourite dishes. She then went down again to the kitchen, where the maid of the house undertook to send up the supper, and she with her children returned to Booth.

He then told her concisely what had happened with relation to the girl-to which she scarce made any answer, but asked him if he had not dined? He assured her he had not eat a morsel the whole day. "Well," says she," my dear, I am a fellow-sufferer; but we shall both enjoy our supper the more; for I have made a little provision for you, as I guessed what might be the case. I have got you a bottle of wine too; and here is a clean cloth and a smiling countenance, my dear Will. Indeed, I am in unusual good spirits to-night, and I have made a promise to the children, which you must confirm; I have promised to let them sit up this one night to supper with us.-Nay, don't look so serious; cast off all uneasy thoughts-I have a present for you here-no matter how I came by it."At which words, she put eight guineas into his hand, crying, "Come, my dear Bill, be gayFortune will yet be kind to us-at least, let us be happy this night. Indeed, the pleasures of many women, during their whole lives, will not amount to my happiness this night, if you will be in good humour."

Booth fetched a deep sigh, and cried-" How unhappy am I, my dear, that I can't sup with you to-night!"

As in the delightful month of June, when the sky is all serene, and the whole face of nature looks with a pleasing and smiling aspect, suddenly a dark cloud spreads itself over the hemisphere, the sun vanishes from our sight, and every object is obscured by a dark and horrid gloom; so happened it to Amelia: the joy that had enlightened every feature disappeared in a moment, the lustre forsook her shining eyes, and all the little loves that played and wantoned in her cheeks hung their drooping heads, and with a faint trembling voice, she repeated her husband's words, "Not sup with me to-night, my dear!"

"Indeed, my dear," answered he, "I cannot. I need not tell you how uneasy it makes me, or that I am as much disappointed as yourself; but I am engaged to sup abroad. I have absolutely given my honour; and besides, it is on business of importance.

"My dear," said she, "I say no more. I am convinced you would not willingly sup from me. I own it is a very particular disappointment to

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me to-night, when I had proposed unusual pleasure; but the same reason which is sufficient to you, ought to be so to me."

Booth made his wife a compliment on her ready compliance, and then asked her what she intended by giving him that money, or how she came by it?

"I intend, my dear," said she, "to give it you; that is all. As to the manner in which I came by it, you know, Billy, that is not very material. You are well assured I got it by no means which would displease you; and perhaps another time I may tell you.'

Booth asked no farther questions; but he returned her, and insisted on her taking all but one guinea, saying, she was the safest treasurer. He then promised her to make all the haste home in his power; and he hoped, he said, to be with her in an hour and half at farthest, and then took his leave.

When he was gone, the poor disappointed Amelia sat down to supper with her children, with whose company she was forced to console herself for the absence of her husband.

CHAP. IX.

A very tragic scene.

THE clock had struck eleven, and Amelia was just proceeding to put her children to bed, when she heard a knock at the street door; upon which the boy cried out, "There's papa, mamma; pray let me stay and see him before I go to bed." This was a favour very easily obtained; for Amelia instantly ran down stairs, exulting in the goodness of her husband for returning so soon, though half an hour was already elapsed beyond the time in which he promised to return. Poor Amelia was now again disappointed; for it was not her husband at the door, but a servant with a letter for him, which he delivered into her hands. She immediately returned up stairs, and said "It was not your papa, my dear; but I hope it is one who hath brought us some good news." For Booth had told her, that he hourly expected to receive such from the great man, and had desired her to open any letter which came to him in his absence.

Amelia therefore broke open the letter, and read as follows:

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are possessed in your own wife of the most inestimable jewel. "Yours, &c.

"T. JAMES. "I shall bring pistols with me."

It is not easy to describe the agitation of Amelia's mind when she read this letter. She threw herself into her chair, turned as pale as death, began to tremble all over, and had just power enough left to tap the bottle of wine, which she had hitherto preserved entire for her husband, and to drink off a large bumper.

The little boy perceived the strange symptoms which appeared in his mother; and running to her, he cried, "What's the matter, my dear mamma, you don't look well? No harm hath happened to poor papa, I hope; sure that bad man hath not carried him away again."

Amelia answered, "No, child, nothing-nothing at all."-And then a large shower of tears came to her assistance; which presently after produced the same in the eyes of both the

children.

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Amelia, after a short silence, looking tenderly at her children, cried out, " It is too much, too much to bear. Why did I bring these little wretches into the world! why were these innocents born to such a fate !"-She then threw her arms round them both, (for they were before embracing her knees,) and cried, "O, my children! my children! forgive me, my babes forgive me that I have brought you into such a world as this. You are undone-my children are undone."

The little boy answered with great spirit, "How undone, mamma? my sister and I don't care a farthing for being undone. Don't cry so upon our accounts-we are both very well; indeed we are. But do pray tell us ; I am sure some accident hath happened to poor papa."

"Mention him no more," cries Amelia"your papa is—indeed, he is a wicked man-he cares not for any of us.-O, Heavens, is this the happiness I promised myself this evening!" At which words she fell into an agony, holding both her children in her arms.

The maid of the house now entered the room, with a letter in her hand, which she had received from a porter, whose arrival the reader will not wonder to have been unheard by Amelia in her present condition.

The maid, upon her entrance into the room, perceiving the situation of Amelia, cried out, " Good Heavens, madam! what's the matter?" Upon which, Amelia, who had a little recovered herself after the last violent vent of her passion, started up and cried, "Nothing, Mrs Susannothing extraordinary. I am subject to these fits sometimes; but I am very well now. Come, my dear children, I am very well again; indeed I am. You must now go to bed; Mrs Susan will be so good as to put you to bed."

"But why doth not papa love us?" cries the little boy; "I am sure, we have none of us done any thing to disoblige him."

This innocent question of the child so stung Amelia, that she had the utmost difficulty to prevent a relapse. However, she took another dram of wine; for so it might be called to her, who was the most temperate of women, and never exceeded three glasses on any occasion. In this glass she drank her children's health, and soon after so well soothed and composed them, that they went quietly away with Mrs Susan.

The maid, in the shock she had received at the melancholy, indeed frightful scene, which had presented itself to her at her first coming into the room, had quite forgot the letter, which she held in her hand. However, just at her departure she recollected it, and delivered it to Amelia; who was no sooner alone, than she opened it, and read as follows:

"My dearest sweetest love,

"I write you from the bailiff's house, where I was formerly, and to which I am again brought at the suit of that villain Trent. I have the misfortune to think I owe this accident (I mean, that it happened to-night) to my own folly, in endeavouring to keep a secret from you. O my dear, had I had resolution to confess my crime to you, your forgiveness would, I am convinced, have cost me only a few blushes, and I had now been happy in your arms. Fool that I was, to leave you on such an account, and to add to a former transgression a new one. Yet, by Heavens, I mean not a transgression of the like kind; for of that I am not, nor ever will be guilty; and when you know the true reason of my leaving you to-night, I think you will pity rather than upbraid me; I am sure you would,

if you knew the compunction with which I left you to go to the most worthless, the most infamous do guess the rest; guess that crime with which I cannot stain my paper-but still believe me no more guilty than I am-or, if it will lessen your vexation at what hath befallen me, believe me as guilty as you please, and think me, for a while at least, as undeserving of you, as I think myself. This paper and pen are so bad, I question whether you can read what I write; I almost doubt whether I wish you should. Yet this I will endeavour to make as legible as I can-Be comforted, my dear love, and still keep up your spirits with the hopes of better days. The Doctor will be in town to-morrow, and I trust on his goodness for my delivery once more from this place, and that I shall soon be able to repay him. That Heaven may bless and preserve you, is the prayer of,

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Amelia pretty well guessed the obscure meaning of this letter, which, though at another time it might have given her unspeakable torment, was at present rather of the medicinal kind, and served to allay her anguish. Her anger to Booth too, began a little to abate, and was softened by her concern for his misfortune. Upon the whole, however, she passed a miserable and sleepless night, her gentle mind torn and distracted with various and contending passions, distressed with doubts, and wandering in a kind of twilight, which presented her only objects of different degrees of horror, and where black despair closed at a small distance the gloomy pros◄ pect.

CHAP. I.

BOOK XII.

The Book begins with polite history.

BEFORE we return to the miserable couple whom we left at the end of the last Book, we will give our reader the more cheerful view of the gay and happy family of Colonel James.

Mrs James, when she could not, as we have seen, prevail with Amelia to accept that invitation, which, at the desire of the Colonel, she had so kindly and obediently carried her, returned to

her husband, and acquainted him with the ill success of her embassy; at which, to say the truth, she was almost as much disappointed as the Colonel himself; for he had not taken a much stronger liking to Amelia, than she herself had conceived for Booth. This will account for some passages, which may have a little surprised the reader in the former chapters of this history, as we were not then at leisure to communicate to them a hint of this kind; it was indeed on Mr Booth's account that she had been at the trouble of changing her dress at the masquerade.

But her passions of this sort, happily for her, were not extremely strong; she was therefore

easily baulked, and as she met with no encouragement from Booth, she soon gave way to the impetuosity of Miss Matthews; and from that time scarce thought more of the affair, till her husband's design against the wife revived hers likewise; insomuch that her passion was, at this time, certainly strong enough for Booth, to produce a good hearty hatred for Amelia, whom she now abused to the Colonel in very gross terms; both on the account of her poverty, and her insolence; for so she termed the refusal of all her offers.

The Colonel, seeing no hopes of soon possessing his new mistress, began, like a prudent and wise man, to turn his thoughts towards the securing his old one. From what his wife had mentioned, concerning the behaviour of the shepherdess, and particularly her preference of Booth, he had little doubt but that this was the identical Miss Matthews. He resolved, therefore, to watch her closely, in hopes of discovering Booth's intrigue with her. In this, besides the remainder of affection which he yet preserved for that lady, he had another view, as it would give him a fair pretence to quarrel with Booth; who, by carrying on this intrigue, would have broke his word and honour given to him. And he began now to hate poor Booth heartily, from the same reason from which Mrs James had contracted her aversion to Amelia.

The Colonel, therefore, employed an inferior kind of pimp to watch the lodgings of Miss Matthews, and to acquaint him if Booth, whose person was known to the pimp, made any visit there.

The pimp faithfully performed his office, and having last night made the wished-for discovery, immediately acquainted his master with it.

Upon this news, the Colonel presently dispatched to Booth the short note which we have before seen. He sent it to his own house instead of Miss Matthews's, with hopes of that very accident which actually did happen. Not that he had any ingredient of the bully in him, and desired to be prevented from fighting; but with a prospect of injuring Booth in the affection and esteem of Amelia, and of recommending himself somewhat to her by appearing in the light of her champion; for which purpose he added that compliment to Amelia in his letter. He concluded upon the whole, that, if Booth himself opened the letter, he would certainly meet him the next morning; but if his wife should open it before he came home, it might have the effects before mentioned; and for his future expostulation with Booth, it would not be in Amelia's power to prevent it.

Now it happened, that this pimp had more masters than one. Amongst these was the worthy Mr Trent, for whom he had often done business of the pimping vocation. He had been employed, indeed, in the service of the great peer himself, under the direction of the said

Trent, and was the very person who had assisted the said Trent in dogging Booth and his wife to the opera-house on the masquerade night.

This subaltern pimp was with his superior Trent yesterday morning, when he found a bailiff with him, in order to receive his instructions for the arresting Booth; when the bailiff said it would be a very difficult matter to take him; for that, to his knowledge, he was as shy a cock as any in England. The subaltern immediately acquainted Trent with the business in which he was employed by the Colonel; upon which Trent enjoined him the moment he had set him to give immediate notice to the bailiff; which he agreed to, and performed accordingly.

The bailiff, on receiving the notice, immediately set out for his stand at an alehouse within three doors of Miss Matthews's lodgings; at which, unfortunately for poor Booth, he arrived a very few minutes before Booth left that lady in order to return to Amelia.

These were several matters, of which we thought necessary our reader should be informed; for, besides that it conduces greatly to a perfect understanding of all history, there is no exercise of the mind of a sensible reader more pleasant than the tracing the several small and almost imperceptible links in every chain of events by which all the great actions of the world are produced. We will now, in the next chapter, proceed with our history.

CHAP. II.

In which Amelia visits her husband.

AMELIA, after much anxious thinking, in which she sometimes flattered herself that her husband was less guilty than she had at first imagined him, and that he had some good excuse to make for himself (for, indeed, she was not so able as willing to make one for him,) at length resolved to set out for the bailiff''s castle. Having, therefore, strictly recommended the care of her children to her good landlady, she sent for a hackney-coach, and ordered the coachman to drive to Gray's-Inn-Lane.

When she came to the house, and asked for the Captain, the bailiff's wife, who came to the door, guessing, by the greatness of her beauty, and the disorder of her dress, that she was a young lady of pleasure, answered surlily," Captain! I do not know of any Captain that is here, not I;" for this good woman was, as well as Dame Purgante in Prior, a bitter enemy to all whores, especially to those of the handsome kind; for some such she suspected to go shares with her in a certain property to which the law gave her the sole right.

Amelia replied, she was certain that Captain Booth was there. " Well, if he is so," cries the

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