The lover's treat: or, unnatural hatred: Being a true narrative ... Written by Mrs. Charke, ...

Table of contents

- [titlepage]

- [part]

- As Providence has in itself several wonderful and surprising Turns, I must now give a very remarkable Instance of its Care of poor George and his Sister Jane.

THE Lover's Treat: or, UNNATURAL HATRED, &c.

FINIS.

THE LOVER'S TREAT: OR, Unnatural Hatred. BEING A True NARRATIVE as deliver'd to the Author by one of the Family who was principally concern'd in the following Account.

Written by Mrs. CHARKE, Author of Dumont and Miss Charlotte Evelyn.

Her lower Weeds were patch'd with different

Colour'd Rags, as black, red, white, yellow, And

Seem'd to speak Variety of Wretchedness.

CHAMONT, in the Orphan.

LONDON: Printed and Sold at BAILEY's Printing-Office, at the Ship and Crown in Leadenhall-Street; where Tradesmen's Bills are Printed neat and Reasonable.

IN this last Century there has been no Vice more generally rooted in the Minds of Men than a Discordency in Families, and which flows from the very Springs, from which we should naturally expect to find the most agreeable Harmony; but Interest whose Power is invincible, too frequently creates us Enemies where we are most nearly and Consanguinity, which ought most especially to endear to each other, is now become a standing Maxim to forget those tender Principles which Nature claims, and the World must necessarily approve.

This unfortunate Depravity of Sense, laid want of fraternal Affection, was the unhappy Cause of many Sufferings and severest Hardships, which a very worthy Youth for many Years endured; and from whom I had a particular Account of a long Series of Misery occasioned by his elder Brother, and since I have his Permission, will give a succinct Account both of him and his Family.

This young Gentleman was the second and last Son of Mr. Anthony Elstone, born of a very reputable Family in Gloucestershire, and whose Father was a wealthy Grazier, worth a considerable Deal of Money, but having a very large Family to whom he paid an equal regard: He portion'd out his Sons and Daughters alike, often declaring that one Child was as dear to him as another: and that what he was worth was the happy Effects of his own Industry, so he was determined to dispose it in such a Manner, that no Envy should arise among his Children from his Partiality, having ten of them, he left to each when died One Thousand Pounds a piece; and as a farther Proof of his paternal Affection, (his Wife dying when the Youngest of his Offspring was but two Years of Age) he resolved never to make a second Choice, in respect to the Memory of a very worthy Woman, and a fond Regard to the infant Blood she left behind her; he look'd on every Child as a particular Blessing sent from Heaven, and as such resolved never to put it in the Power of a Mother-in-Law to contradict his pious Purposes in acting like a tender Father, or enumerating his Issue: And consequently, obliging himself to divest those he had Part of their natural Rights, to provide for a foreign Stock.

Many Years before he died he had the Happinness of seeing even the Youngest of his Children disposed of in different Callings, and set up for themselves; amongst which Mr. Anthony Elslone, his Youngest, was well established in Merchandize in the City of London; and behaving extreamly well in his Clerkship; he married a Niece of his Master's, who was a Dependant on her Uncle, who gave her to Mr. Elstone, with a Fortune of Two Thousand Pounds; and would have done more but that he had a Family of his own to provide for, by this young Gentlewoman he had several little ones, all of whom died in their Infancy, except the last three, viz. Anthony the Eldest, George the second Son, and Jane their last and only Daughter, who were Twins.

Anthony and George were as opposite in their Dispositions as Fire and Water, the elder being the first that lived up to a Twelvemonth, the fond Parents by an over acted Indulgence, ruined his Principles which in Infancy might have been Cultivated to have rendered him, the reverse of which be proved, by that Time he was six Years of Age he was absolute Master of the Family, and was passed off as Life and Spirit in one so Young, very soon made him hateful and contemptible to all about him, except his Father and Mother; in about four Years after his Birth their second Son and only Daughter made their Appearance in the World, to the unspeakable transport of their Parents, and the Admiration of all who beheld them, being without Exception, two of the finest Children that even were born at one Birth. Young as Anthony was he conceived an Aversion for his little Brother and Sister, and grew jealous at the Sight of them: this rancourous Disposition grew up with him, and strengthened with his Years, the other two whose tender Dispositions and Affability of Soul, inclined them to love each other, also excited them to sue for Anthony' Affection, but all in vain, he openly declared his Aversion thro' every Action of his Life, and several Times, even at Play attempting to maim or destroy them. This wicked Disposition was once the Occasion of his Father's stripping him stark-naked and disciplin'd him with a Horsewhip till he had almost left him for dead; it happen'd Mr. Elsione luckily went into the Room when he was within an Inch of rushing a sharp Penknife into his Brother's Throat, which naturally enraged the Father and urged him to excuse the forementioned Justice on him.

Notwithsanding Mr. Elstone's Reason convienced him of the Justice of the Punishment he had inflicted, yet when his Anger subsided. Fondness then prevailed and reduced the piteous Father to an immoderate Flood of Anguish and repeneant Tears for having proceeded with such Vigiour to his darling worthless Son. Master George tenderly pleaded for his Brother, and would have prevented the dreadful Stripes he underwent, but even that wrought no Effect upon the Mind of this young Barbarian; for he remembered the Smart of the Whip to a long and cruel Detriment to his Brother's Interest and Reputation.

Mr. Elstone had been often heard to declare his Intention of providing for his Family by the worthy Example of his Father, this catch'd the Ears of his Son Anthony who from twelve Years of Age to Maturity, industriously employed his Thoughts to Engross the Whole of what his Father should die possessed of. To which End he made it his constant Business to influence his Father against his Brother George, whose continual Obedience and Regard made it a very difficult Task. For Example: Even in Infancy he was unexceptionably endearing to his Parents through a continued Course of Good-Nature, at the same Time giving promising Hopes of an extraordinary Undertaking, when ripen'd into Years; in his School Days he made his Studies his peculiar Care, and by that Time he arrived to the Age of Sixteen, was Master of several Languages; and as he was designed to follow his Father's Business closely, applied himself to the perfect Knowledge of Merchants Accompts, of which he is justly esteemed to be at this Time the compleatest Master in Great-Britain.

His Brother Anthony was as entirely regardless of every Advantage of this Nature, Mis making chief and Pleasure his only Study; and having from the Hour of his Birth gain'd such an Ascendency over the Hearts of both his Parents, they found it an impacticable Scheme ever to get the better of that Power their mistaken Fondness had invested him with▪ Mr. Elstone was too plainly convinced of the rancourous Disposition of Anthony to 〈◊〉 inoffensive Brother, therefore tenderly admonish'd his Son George to be contented with being put Apprentice to some other Merchant to prevent any Feuds or Animosities between 'em, tho' he originally designed to have bound him to himself. The good Youth received his Father's Advice with that dutiful Respect that became him, tho' sorry to be obliged to leave his Father, and greatly affected with the unnatural and cruel Motive of their Separation. In a short Time Mr. George was put Clerk to one Mr. Hume, an eminent Hamburgh Merchant, and seldom visited home above twice or thrice a Year, tho' Mr Elstone often went to see him; this Removal any reasonable Person would have thought might have made his Brother perfectly easy, but so far from it, the constant Praises he heard of his Brother's good Behaviour and Assiduity in his Business greatly corroded his Mind, as he knew that this universal good Character must entirely frustrate all his wicked Intents of depriving him of his Birth right, and that any Falshoods he could alledge against him must consequently prove ineffectual; but in order to give Birth to his cruel Purposes, he suddenly put on a Mask of Friendship and feign'd a hearty Repentance for his unnatural Behaviour to his Brother, earnestly requesting his Father to become his Advocate to poor George, and endeavour at his Reconciliation with him. Mr. Elstone and his Wife were pleasingly amazed at this wonderful and happy Charge in their Son's temper, and without delay sent for the other home to close this unlucky Breach, and six a wish'd for Friendship between the Brothers. Mr. Elstene urged his Son Anthony to write, but the artful villain pretended he should be at a Loss to Express himself in a Manner suitable to his Offence, and begged his Father for that Reason to do it for him, to which he joyfully agreed as follows:

DEAR GEORGE,

'TIS with amazing and unspeakable Transport I inform you that your Brother Anthony is at last grown sensible of his Error, and feels so strong Compunction for his ill grounded Aversion to you; he can no longer forbear suing for a Reconciliation, and as he confessed himself unequal to the Task of moving for it as he ought, has entreated me to be his Mediator: I don't in this Case use the Commands of a Parent, but the tender Admonition of a Friend, which I hope will be sufficiently prevalent on your Good-Nature, to come on the Receipt of this to fix a lasting union between you, which will be an infallible Joy to your Mother and Sister, as also to dear George's

most tenderly affectionate Father, ANTHONY ELSTONE.

Mr. George's good Sense and Sweetness of Temper was easily moved to obey his Father's pleasing Summons, and went directly with the Servant who brought the Letter to him. On his approaching to embrace his deceitful Brother, he shewed the real Signs of Love, real Pity and Forgiveness, while the the other artfully strain'd from his Eyes the Crocodile's pretending Sorrow, which influenced the generous Youth to pay a sincere and grateful Retribution flowing from the Result of an honest Heart, and Joy un•eign'd.

When his Brother attempted to make Confession of his Error, he would not permit him to proceed in, but with the politest Tenderness desired him to regard but as a Dream what had passed, and make at once to all the Transport of belonging, and being beloved by a truly affectionate Friend and Brother.

Mr. and Mrs. Elstone with their agreeable Daughter bore an equal Part in this pleasing Distress, for such they thought it to be in regard to Mr. Anthony, who affected every Symptom without feeling the smallest Degree of it; however, it passed current upon the worthy Part of the Family, who were esolved on this seeming Happiness to celebate it with a Festival; and as the Discord between these Brothers was universally known among their Friends and Acquaintance: Many of them were invited to a publick Rejoicing, each congratulating the whole Family on so laudable and reasonable a Reconciliation.

'Tis necessary to inform the Reader that Mr. George and Miss Jenny, who came together into the World, went Hand in Hand in every Point of Brother and Sisterly Affection, and on such Terms as ought to stand for an Example to all such Relations, though singly born: But alas! those Principles are lost in this present Age, and is almost deemed a Crime in some Families to he related to them.

The tender Regard this young Gentleman and his Sister from Infancy preserved for each other, tho' entirely innocent and infallible, was the first Motive thro' the Villainy of Anthony to their long and unprecedented Sufferings.

The Day appointed for their public Rejoicing being come, among their numerous Friends were Mr. George's Master, and his only Son, who had for very near a Twelvemonth paid his Addresses to Miss Jenny, by Consent of both Parties, who thought proper to defer their Marriage till her Admirer had served his Clerkship, which he did to his Father, by which Time he would arrive to the Age of Two and Twenty, and the young Lady to about Nineteen. As they were happy in the Knowledge of being designed for each other, entirely correspondent to their Wishes, they passed their Time with agreeable Chearfulness, and a pleasing Reflection of being one Day till Death to be rendered inseparab•e; they were so near their destin'd Happiness, that it wanted but three Months to confirm it, which was Part of the Discourse at their Feast, and gave Birth to a very barbarous Plot, both on them and poor Mr. George, which Mr. Anthony put in force.

Mr. Elstone being resolved to express the Fullness of his Joy on this Occasion, concluded his Entertainment with a Ball, and because Miss Jenny would not seem particular, chose her Brother George for a Partner instead of young Mr Hume, her intended Husband. 'Tis true he entreated her to dance with him, but she modestly declined it for the formentioned Reason, as People are apt to take Notice of every Look and Action of a young Couple so near Marriage.

Accordingly Mr. George and his Sister both of whom danced most excessively genteel, open'd the Ball with a Minuet and Louvre, and continued Partners for the Night, the whole Company were in a Flow of Spi its and good Humour, except the villainous Hypocrite, on whose Account these goodnatured People were all assembled; next Day this Monster of Inhumanity and Falshood, goes to pay a Visit at Mr. Hume's under a Pretence of strengthening that Affection he had the Night before wav'd for his injured Brother, he staid some Time expatiating on George's kind forgiving Nature, and condemning his own mistaken Folly in being blind to so much Merit, and obstinately depriving himself for so many Years of his fraternal Love and Friendship. During his stay at Mr. Hume's, Mr. George Elslone was obliged to go out for an Hour upon Business of very great Consequence, but made his Brother promise to stay and pass the Evening with them; to which he readily agreed: While Mr. George was gone, young Mr. Hume's Fondness naturally turn'd his Discourse upon dear Miss Jenny, expressing the tenderest Regard for her, and the Happiness he promised to himself when he should become her Husband. Ah! said Anthony, with a kind of a Sneer in his Countenance, 'tis all a Lottery, some Blanks, some Prizes, Women are dangerous Things to encounter: And the very best of them according to the old Phrase, Won't upon Trial have much Goodness to spare: adding, that for his Part, if he owed any Man a Spleen he'd advise him to marry, but if he were his Friend he'd sonner offer him a Knife or a Pistol than propose a Match for him; and so you'd say too if you knew as much of the Sex, said be, as I do; perhaps, said Mr. Hume, you have met with some Disappointment, but that should not urge you to an open War with the rest of Womenkind, but be it as it may, I'm fully persuaded that your Sister is intirely exempt from any of the Follies or Imperfections, which are I own too incidental to Females; and till I find her wrong 'tis my Duty and my Interest to believe her in the Right. Why, says Anthony, did I say she was not? No, says the other, but you were speaking in reference to Women in general, And tho' I am naturally inclined to be partial to them all, I cannot help on every Occasion, to express the tenderest Sentiments of my Soul, for her whom Honour and Love equally have fix'd in my Heart a most implicit Regard for; Well well, replied Anthony, these are all very fine •lights, and I know you think this Opinion will last as long as you live, yet I'll hold youfifty Guineas that I alter it in less than a Quarter of an Hour. And says Mr. Huine, I'll hold you a Hundred to Fifty you don't; done says the other; done again, says Mr. Hume, neither you or the World combin'd together will ever be able to alter my present Thoughts, in regard to your Sister: You'll stand to the Wager, says Anthony; I will, says young Hume, and now exert your utmost Skill to win it; but I pronounce you the Loser before you begin, upon which this wicked Wretch takes out of his Pocket a forged Letter directed to Miss Jenny Elstone, which he pretended she had carelessly left in her Escrutore which stood open; upon her being hastily call'd down to her Mamma, that he accidentally coming in, and seeing it to be a Man's Hand to which he was a Stranger, he had a Curiosity to discover the Contents, which he read to young Hume as follows:

My Soul's Idol,

HOW unhappy am I in being disappointed of the Pleasure of seeing you this Evening at the usual Place, the sweet Remembrance of our last Interview doubly excites my impatient Love, to intreat you if possible, to slip out but for a few Moments; and as the Family are busied in Rejoicing, you'll not be so easily miss'd for the short Time. I beg you'll spare to fix the next happy Meeting of

Your truly tender and affectionate Lover, J— B—.

P.S. Your Brother George who was my friendly Advocate, and since the faithful Confident of our Loves, assured me I should see you if but for a Moment: Remember my Love, I only live while you are present.

Now, Sir, said he, what think you? Why really Mr. Elstone that this Letter is a villainous Contrivance to blast both your Brother and Sister's Reputation, rather than that they are the least concern'd in it, there is no single Action of either of their Lives that proclaims them capable of so monstrous a Crime, and so far from being accessary to Miss Jenny's Destruction, I'm certain Mr. George would lose his Life to preserve or vindicate her Honour, and as that base Scroll so infamously Calls it in Question, I think myself bound by all the Ties of Love and Friendship to find out the wicked Author of it, and use him at his Villainy deserves; nor will I rest 'till I have put my Resolution in force, and as you are her Brother I think you ought to join in so honourable a Design, even at the Hazard of your Life.

Why, that is my Intent, says Anthony, who was left dead with the Fears of being detected in this Villainy: What I said of the Sex just now was only to see how far you was inclined to think well of them, abstracted from my Sister, in whom I know your Soul is wrapt; and my Reason for showing you the Letter, was as my Brother's Character suffers in the Contents, and we having but within a few Hours healed up an unhappy Breach which had been from Infancy subsisting: I thought proper to take the advice of a Friend in the clearing up this Point, lest by undertaking it myself I might be deem'd fond of retracting the solemn Professions of our new-born Friendship and pleased to think my Brother guilty of a Crime which I'm certain his honest Nature would most abhor. Therefore Mr. Hume, as I have open'd myself so freely to you, let me prevail on you not to take the least Notice of it till we meet again; I'll find an Opportunity to replace the Letter in Jenny's Escrutere and if I don't doubt, but she'll take Notice, then we may publickly endeavour to find out by whom, and what Means it was there placed, it must be by some of the Servants who may be reasonably judged as an Accomplice with the invidious Wretch, whom I suppose has a wicked Design upon her Person, and hopes to bring the Matter to bear by blasting her Reputation, with a forged Process of an Amour with her. I know out eldest Clerk once made an Overture of Marriage, but Jenny being engaged to you, he was soon repulsed; perhaps his Disoppointment (for I know he was extremely in Love with her) may have urged him to this wicked Design, at least will endeavour to find it out; agreed, said Mr. Hume, and or a Day or two I give you my Word and Honour, to be quite silent in the Affair, nor drop the least Hint of it, even to my Friend George. These last Words gave Anthony new Spirits, as they afforded him more Leisure to perpetrate his Cruelty, and with less Hazard of being found out.

Mr. George returning home, the three young Gentlemen concluded the Evening together. Anthony still continuing to repeat the tenderest Sense of Obligations to his Brother, and expressing the highest Satisfaction at their being reconciled; it growing late Mr. Anthony took Leave, and went away full fraught with all the Mischief Hell itself could inspire with, to perpetrate the wicked Means to destroy the Happiness and Peace of two Families.

Next Morning he went out very early to pay a Visit to one Mrs. Grimes, an elderly Woman of decayed Circumstances, and Low Cunning, whose Son was Mr. Anthony's Emanuenfis, who writing several Sorts of exceeding good Hands, he found him put for his Purpose, being possessed of a Heart like his Mother's capable of any Evil, by which he could get a Shilling: This Mrs. Grimes kept a little House near Goodman's-Fields, in which she entertain'd several Disorderly Women of the lowest Class, among wh•ch Number Mr. Anthony had a favourite Lady which served his turn as well as the finest or most elegant Creature Nature could produce, having no other Sense of Love superior to that of a Brute, deeming the only Happiness arising from that generous Passion, consisted in the immediate Gratification which Animals 〈◊〉 are capable of conceiving.

Mr. Anthony opened his whole Design to the old Woman which was to use the most effectual Means he could to get his poor Brother and Sister totally disinherited, which if Mrs Grimes by being Assistant, could bring to bear, he promised her a reward of five Hundred Pounds, and as earnest of his Intention gave her twenty Guineas to encourage her and her Son to put in practise every Method that could forward his barbarous Undertaking, the Money was a sure Bait for both, and she promised most faithfully to transact whatever he should employ her in. Accordingly he told her all that had passed the Night before between him and Mr. Hume, in regard to the forged Letter, and made her thoroughly acquainted with the Plan, on which she was to proceed, which when she had heard entirely out; the old Jade burst into a Fit of Laughing at a Conceit which came into her wicked Head more immediately to confirm what he had insinuated to young Mr. Hume, pray tell me, said she, what Hour and at what Place this young Gentleman is to be found? Oh! replied Anthony, you may always be sure to see him going to, or returning from the Exchange at the usual Hours, but you don't know him, but I do, Sir, says the Son and his Father too pe•fectly well; that's enough, says the Mother, you shall go and point him out to me, and I warrant I do your Business, at that Time they parted, appointing to meet in the Evening to know the Success of their Negociation, about the Hour of Twelve o'Clock away goes Madam and her Son and waited Mr. Hume's coming to the 'Change, at his return from thence, she follows him in a very poor Garb suited to her Purpose, and implored his Charity, which he refusing, she still persisting in her Importunity, till be growing tired, hastily bid her begone, upan which with an Air of Resentment, she told him he need not be so short, for 'twas in her Power to do him more Service by a secret Knowledge she had, than his trifling Alms could possibly be of to her.

And as a Proof she bid him not bespeak his Wedding Cloaths, for she was well assured if he did they would be out of fashion for many Years before he'd want them. This Declaration startled the young Gentleman, and claimed his Attention, as he knew his Marriage was near at Hand, he thought she must either know his Person, or have a supernatural Understanding, upon which he asked if she had any Knowledge of him, she answered no, nor could she charge her Memory with ever having seen him before, but no Matter for that, at first Sight of you I was rendered capable by the Linaments of your Face of teaching you to avoid a fatal Snare you'll suddenly fall into, if you don't listen to what I can tell you, said the old Beldam: Mr. Hume's Curiosity began to be raised, so he ordered ber to go to a particular Public House, giving her Six-pence, and wait till he came, not caring to be seen in the Streets, with such an Object of Misery, as she at that time appeared to be.

He was not long after, when to the great Surprize of the Man of the House, he called for a Pint of Wine and a private Room ordering this old Trapes to follow him up Stairs, upon which she directly told him in a kind of ambiguous Phrase all that was contained in the Letter Mr. Anthony had read to him the Night before; and tho' he gave no Credit to it at that Time, he then began to be staggered in his Opinion, and in short, grew very uneasy, after she had thoroughly work•d up his Imagination to an absolute Credulity of every Thing she uttered; she told him though she was a Stranger to his Names, she would be bound to tell him the first Letters of each; and that if she thought it worth while to study about it, in a very few Hours by her Art, though he were himself to lock her up, upon Condition she had her Books with her, she'd tell him his Names entire. Well, says he, to convince me of a Likelihood of it, tell me directly the first Letters of my Christian and Sirname, J. said she, is the first of the Christian, and H the first of your Sirname. Mr. Hume was perfectly astonished, and began to consider whether it was or was not possible for her to be Mistress of so much Art, or whether she might not have had some private Intelligence of whom he was, and did this to get Money from him, but that he might be sure to trap her if he could, he bid her if her Art extended so far to tell him any one Circumstance that would happen to him before he slept, that I will, Sir, and to convince you that I don't tell your Fortune for the Lucre of Gain, as many Impostors do without knowing any Thing of the Matter: You shan't give me a Farthing more than the Six pence I had of you in the Street; but I'll tell you one Thing that shall happen before you go to Bed, and I will meet you here Tomorrow, and if I tell you Truth will leave it to-your own Houour to reward me as You think fit; to which he agreed, and appointed to meet her next Day at the same Time and Place. And now let's hear what is to happen in particular to Night: Pray, Sir, say she, let me see your Hand, which after she palm'd and peer'd over for about five Minutes, she looked very stedfastly at him and told him there was a young Gentleman that he frequently conversed with, and that to her thinking lived in the same House, and for whom be had hitherto a very great Friendship, but something would happen that very Night to break it off; not that they would come to any high Word, but a Foundation would be laid for a Coldness that would grow into a mutual Contempt of each other very speedily; and that it would not be long before they came to Reparation. Look ye, Sir, said she, I am the seventh Daughter of the seventh Son, (a common Cant the real Professors of Fortune Telling make use on.) And I have studied very deeply to acquire the Knowledge I have in Fate, and •••…ugh I am poor, I know more than many who carry that He•ds very high, but Misfortunes which were not in my Power to avert have reduced me to ask Charity, but now, Sir, I'll take my Leave and wait you according to Appointment▪ Away the pretended Artist went to an Alehouse where her Son was to stay for her, laughing in herself to think how dextrously she had imposed •n the young Gentleman's Credulity, and pl••…ing herself with the hopes of a handsome Reward from him: Next Day poor Mr. Hume went home to Dinner very disconsolate, but was ashamed to tell the Cause of his Uneasiness for fear of being laughed at; but when be inwardly •••••…ed like •••••…nt. "She had told him such Tale 〈◊〉 it bore great Circumstance of Truth" He was half distracted, and waited with Impatience to see his Friend Anthony again that he might from him receive his Care to unlade his Breast from the Load of Grief it then sustained, but as he had given his Honour to be silent till they met again; he concealed the Cause, though twas too obvious, from his Countenance that his Mind was disturbed, as well it might, when labouring with the conflictious Passions of Love, Despair, and Rage.

Mr. Anthony whose wicked Heart never rested till he had accomplished his barbarous Design prompted him to fly with eager Haste to his inferral Instruments, where he found the old Caeature stripping out of her ragged Attire, and so pleas'd at the Thoughts of her Adventure, she had scarce Power to recite it for laughing: However, when he heard it he greatly approv'd the Scheme, and ordered her to make a swinging Bowl of Punch to drink to the Success of her next Expedition to the Royal Exchange.

According to her Instructions Anthony posted away to young Hume to forward the Intent of making the Breach between him and Mr. George that she might gain the greater Credit, and be thereby more amply enabled to carry on the Plot and bring it speedily to Perfection, among the rest of her Contrivances she advised Mr. Anthony to engage his Sister to a Country Dancing, which was to be at a noted private House of Distinction for the Ladies of Pleasure of the first Order, and contrive a means for young Hume to know of her being there, which would naturally confirm his growing Jealousy, and corroborate all that could be invented to raise it, a tristing Hint was sufficient: And the Evening for the Ball was to be the old Lady's Undertaking, (at one Lucas's) where every Thing was prepared in a very elegant Manner, and the Ladies being all let into the Secret, they and their Sparks were admonish'd too with the utmost Decorum and good Breeding, but of that we shall treat hereafter. Mr. Anthony's present Business was to go and work upon poor Mr Hume, whom he found sitting alone in the Compting House reading in a very melancholy Posture: Why, how now, says Anthony, why so pensive! Arn't you well? Indifferent, replied Mr. Hume, I am a little chagrin'd in respect to the Letter you read to me last Night, I have considered on it very deeply since, and confess notwithstanding my seeming lncredulity to you, that I am greatly alarmed; but to act upon bare Supposition, strongly puzzles me as I am fond of your Sister, and too tenacious of her Honour, without some positive Proof of her Misconduct to accuse or condemn her, but pray tell me Mr. Elstone, have you gain'd any farther Knowledge concerning the Affair? Partly, says the other, but whether it may serve as Loop or Hinge to hang a doubt on, I cannot absolutely say: Poor impatient Mr. Hume hastily demanded what it was, expressing in his Countenance all the Agony of Horror and Distraction.—Nay, nay says Anthony, put yourself out of Temper so unreasonably till you hear what it is▪ perhaps I may be mistaken in my Conjecture, and you may be working yourself into a Disorder; there is no Grounds for, but in short, I happened to over hear an Appointment between her and one of her particular intimates, to go to a Ball, and the Place appointed (unless my Ears deceived me) is one of the most infamous Houses in Town. Do you know one Lucas a famous Retailer of Beauty in or about White Chapel? Know her, answered young Hume▪ Aye, too well, she's one of the most notorious Bawds in Christendom, sure Miss Jenny is not engaged to go thither, if so, I shall no longer doubt the Truth of 〈◊〉 Letter; but however, that is easily found out, and you and I will go there and confront her in her wickedness; with all my Heart, said Anthony, but first let me find out whether 'tis so or no, and if it is so I'll give you my Word to go with you, for I am certain there can be no good Intent in a Meeting of that kind at such a Place: that I'm well assured on said young Hume, for I have experienced it, for to tell you the Truth, before I fell in Love with your Sister I had a ridiculous Affair of Gallantry there, which cost me a monstrous Sum of Money, and had it not been for my Attachmen• to Miss Jenny might have continued still, but the strict Regard I paid to h•r brought me into a Resolution rever more 〈◊〉 associate with the terrible Crew that reside in that House, •ittle dreaming ever to hear so angelic a Creature as Jenny appears, should scandalously resolve to herd with such a Set of Devils, but sure 'tis impossible, added he, yet be it as it may, I'm resolved to know the Truth: He then began to Question whether George was of the Party, to which the other answer'd, he was not certain, nor was it very material to Anthony to bring him into that Scrape as he had two or three different Pleas for George's Ruin without making him a Party in their Affair, to be short, they concluded to come at the Bottom of Miss Jenny's Designs, and Anthony shook Hands with Hume, promising him to assist him in the Discovery, with many Professions of the most solemn Friendship. Mr. George coming into the Room they changed their Discourse, and Anthony seemed highly delighted that the Scene was chang'd between them; and George on his Part answered his Falsehood with the tenderest Marks of real Love.

As Mr. Hume was not in a very extraordinary Humour for Campany, Anthony took Leave and went to consult with his evil Counsellers what was farther to be do e to effect his cruel Purposes; upon which the old Woman bid h•m if he could find out who was his Sister's most particular Intimate amongst the Females? Oh! I can tell you that directly, there's one Miss Edwards in Thames-Street, who is Jenny's greatest Favourite among all her Acquaintance; upon the least Summons Jenny will come into any Scheme of Pleasure, so we'll serd her a Note, and I believe I have some of Miss Edwards's Writing in my Pocket which your Son shall counterfeit, and carry it directly to our House, he's not known, and may pass upon our Family for one of Mr. Edwards's Servants.

Accordingly he gives a Copy of Verses of Miss Edwards's Writing to young Grimes. who directly wrote the following Epistle to Miss Elstone in a beautiful Italian Hand as follows:

My dear Miss Elstone,

ON Thursday Evening I am ingaged to a Ceuntry Dancing among a Set of very agreeable People, who, though not your Acquaintance, are my very good Friends; and from the Account they have heard of you from me, are very desirous of your Company, and to be ranked among the Number of your Friends; I won't take any Denial, so expect me to call on you about five in the Afternoon, and I'll conduct you thiher, in the mean Time endeavour to persuade your Brother George and Mr. Hume, lest we should want Partners; 'tis the young Lady's Birth Day where we are to go, and as 'tis to oblige her you'll confer a double Favour by accompanying

My dear Miss Jenny's Friend, ELIZABETH EDWARDS.

P.S. I won't ask your Brother Anthony he's so cross. I know he'll refuse us.

Young Grimes was dispatched with this Letter to Miss Elstone, who sent back her Service to Miss Edwards, and that she would be ready to wait on her if she'd call at the Hour appointed, the Thursday following: and begg'd her Pardon for not writing for her, Mamma had Company, and she was obliged to make Tea directly.

Away comes Grimes with his Message which pleased Mr. Anthony highly, but when he said that there was Company the old Woman forgetting the Answer, thro' fear cries out to her Son Suppose the very Gentleman should be there? Why then, says Anthony directly, My Sister would not have sent such an Answer, besides you Simpleton, said he, I knew 'twas impossible, for Miss Edwards is at her Father's Country House at Enfield, and don't come to Town this Fortnight; this was the Reason why I pitch'd upon her to make the Appointment, that's well enough, says the old Woman, then we are safe, but what's to be done when Miss is to call upon your Sister: Why, says Anthony, Dick here shall carry a Note to excuse her coming, and intreat Jenny to take Coach directly and meet her at the Lady's House where they are to pass the Evening, in the mean time do you be punctual to the Hour in which you are to meet young Hume, so at present farewell; I won't go up to poll this Evening, because I have no Time to lose, therefore don't own I have been here. Away he march'd home, and was immediately accosted by his Sister, who told him of her Invitation from Miss Edwards, and tho' she expected to be refused she was resolved to try if the Brute would have Complaisance enough to squire her to the Bali, which he peremptorily refused as she expected; upon which his Mother chide him, telling him she wonder'd he would not endeavour to polish himself a little and throw off that Roughness of Behaviour which he never had the least Example of, either from his Father or Brother, he answered that Dancing was no Entertainment to him, and that George would be glad of the Opportunity, so refered her to him.

All that Evening young Hume and George Elstone were at home alone, but Mr. Hume seemed very cold and distant in his Discourse which greatly surprized poor Mr. George, who often kindly enquired into the Reason of his short Manner of speaking to him desiring to know wherein he had offended him, to which the other sullenly replied, Time would show he could not but own he was offended in the highest Degree, and did not doubt but Mr George was sensible enough of the Occasion; in this Manner they conversed for some Hours till they parted with a downright Querrel, as well Mr. George might to meet with such unexpected ill Treatment from his Friend without a Cause, or knowing what was the Motive of so sudden and unkind a Change in the Temper of one who till that Time had ever treated bim with the utmost Marks of friendly Tenderness; 'tis not to be supposed that either these Persons enjoyed much Rest that Night. Next morning when they met Mr Hume be retained the sullen Mood he went to bed with: Mr. George being conscious of not having deserved this unaccountable Alieration in his Friend, took as little Notice of him, but each went to their Business without exchanging a Syllable; at Change Time Mr. Hume went out, and from thence to his Appointment with his expected Fortune-Tellor, who was punctual to a Minute, he found her at the Door of the Alehouse in the same tattered Trim she appeared in the Day before, but as he thought the Landlord might wonder to see him twice together in such Company, he beckon'd her to him before he got to the House, and directed to another in the next Street, when they were got together, well, Sir, says she, have I told you Truth• or no? Indeed, says he, You have, and though I'm not pleased at it yet I'm bound in Honour to reward You, and directly gave her a Crown▪ which he supposed would be a valuable present for one in her seeming wretched Circumstance, but Madam expected Gold, not considering that many a Fortune-Teller would have thought him an excellent Chap. Now, says he, if you can tell me any Thing farther that is material, I'll double that Sum to-morrow: Ah, Sir, said she, I can tell you any Thing you want to know, but I wish you'd double the Sum now, for I want to buy a few Cloaths to my Back, for you see I'm very bare, and to convince you that I'm skilled in my Art, I have only this to say to You, Whatever you do listen to one particular Man (who is your Friend) on which she described Anthony's Person to a Hair, and gave him the first Letters of his Names to his very great Astonishment, and afterwards describing George, she bid him carefully avoid such a one, assuring him that under the Mask of Friendship, he was a bitter Enemy. She also bid him beware of a fair Young Woman, and farther added that where he loved most he had the least Occasion. Now, Sir, I have said as much to You as I think will be serviceable to You, and will take my Leave; upon which he gave her another Crown, and they parted. Mr. Hume first enjoining her to meet him again in two or three Days, but she took Care not to keep her Word for fear through any Accident she might be found out.

The Day being come when the Ball was to be, Miss Elstone was very elegantly dressed waiting at home for Miss Edwards, but inhead of the young Lady, young Grimes brings a second Letter to request Miss Jenny would take Coach, and come directly with their Man to wait on her there, and begg'd her Excuse for not waiting on her herself, for the young Lady whose Birth Day it was had sent their Coach for her, which had three more in it, but that she was there ready to introduce her; this passed Current with poor Miss, and away she went with Dick behind the Coach to attend her: when she came to the appointed Place she was received by the pretended young Lady with the highest Elegance and respectful Breeding. Miss Elstone was under a good dea of Confusion when she found her Friend not there; but the Lady who received her begged her not to be uneasy, for Miss Edwards had been there and left her Compliments to her, that she was only gone to persuade another young Lady to come, whom nobody but Miss Edwards could prevail on to oblige them with their Company. Tea was immediately ordered, after which a Glass of Wine round, but still no Miss Edwards appeared, and Miss Elstone being among a Set of Strangers she began to grow very uneasy, at last up came half a Dozen Beaus who were immediately addressing Miss Elstone who was an undoubted Beauty, which was considerably heightened by an unaffected Modesty.

At last the Musick came, and with much Difficulty Miss Elstone was prevailed on to lead down one Dance, which when ended she positively insined upon going home; but as every Body there present had their Cues from Mr. Anthony, (who paid the Expence of the whole Night's Entertainment) she was not suffered to stir: she was not only excessively uneasy but began to suspect by her Friend not appearing there was some design laid against her, yet Miss Edwards's Hand being so well counterfeited, she thought Herself wrong to suppose that so worthy a Young Lady would keep bad Company, and began to be a little more composed, but the Evening being pretty far spent, she again insisted upon going Home, but the Company one and all insisted upon her staying Supper to which she sat down, but never eat a Morsel; and upon attempting to slip out after the Cloth was taken away while they were pretending to settle a Dance, she found the Dining-Room Door double lock'd, upon which she shriek'd out, crying, Oh! Heavens, I'm undone; she then began to reflect on herself for not asking Mr. Hume and her Brother George to be of the Party, and found too late there was some wicked Fraud in the Affair: the old Lady of the House seeing her burst into Tears, ask'd her the Reason, assuring her she was among Friends, and that she was surprized she should discover such dreadful Signs of Uneasiness; if Madam, answer'd Miss Jenny, I'm among Friends, what is the Reason notwithstanding my frequent Solicitation to go home, I've not only been detained against my Will, but must have this Door lock'd upon me. Why Child, says the old Lady, you won't think of going home till Morning, there's a Bed for you, 'tis my Daughter's Birth Day, and we are resolved to make a Night on't; at these Words Miss Jenny fell into a Soon, and one fit was succeeded so fast by the other that they were obliged to undress and put her to Bed; where when she came a little to herself, and found how she was disposed, she fell into strong Convulsions which lasted for a considerable Time, the old Jade who kept the House began to repent having any Concern in the Affair, and privately sent Word to Mr. Anthony the Danger his Sister was in, and that they might be rumed upon his Account. He directly sent Word not to own to any living Mortal that she was there, and that he would be with them early in the Morning and get her removed.

About Ten the next Day he went, and ill as she was being light-headed in a violent Fever) she was conveyed to Mother Grimes's House, and put to Bed there in a Garret: this secured Mrs. Lucas, and was the dreadful Means of poor Miss Jenny's being never after permitted to see her distracted Parents, as they did not know the Place where she was (as they thought to meet Miss Edwards, 'twas impossible for her to send, but when it grew near Twelve o'Clock her Father took Coach to Mr Edwards's House, but the Family were in Bed, but he persisting in knocking at the Door, a Servant looking out of Window he asked for his Daughter, and Miss Edwards, they told him their young Lady was down at End-field, and was not expected Home for a Fortnight; and that Miss Elstone had not been at their House for several Days past. Mr. Elstone returned home full of distracted Thoughts about his Child, and through excessive Tenderness to his Wife, who was just before gone to bed, he concealed his Grief that Night, but in the Morning it burst it's Passage through his Heart, and Mrs. Elstone was soon made the melancholy Partner of his Sorrow: Mr. Anthony was called on to assist in endeavouring to find her out, and with a pretended Grief set out on that Occasion, but in fact was carefully employed in removing his hapless Sister to that shocking Seat of Infamy beforementioned; the whole Family were dispersed to different Parts of the Town, but to no Purpose. Mr. George was sent for who was doubly assiduous in the pursuit of her, and that she might be more likely to be found, he advertised her, and by his Father's Order offered a Thousand Pounds reward to any Person who should produce her Living or dead; young Mr. Hume was quite convinced that she was false, and credited every Thing her Brother Anthony had insinuated against her, but when the whole mischief was perfected by her wicked Brother and his Accomplices, it had a different Effect on her Lover than either he or Anthony imagined, for Despair and Grief reduced him to a raging madness which immediately seized him, and he was obliged forthwith to be confined in a private noted Mad house at Chelsea, after two or three Days ineffectual Search. Her viliainous Brother with a mixture of pretended Grief and Anger, produces the forged Letter he had shewn to poor young Hume, and gave it his Father to read, which when he had done, he vow'd severest Vengeance on his Son George, and as her Absence corroborated with the Contents no Arguments could convince him to the Contrary of what was inserted in the Letter. Mr. Elstone flew with the utmost Rage to Mr Hume's and shewed him the Letter, which when poor George came to be acquainted with, his Distress was not to be painted or conceived; his Father and Master were equally enraged, the one for the positive Loss of his Daughter, and the other for the dreadful Apprehension of the Loss of his Son.

Mr. George used all the Arguments he was master of to convince him how highly they all were injured by that Letter, but to no Purpose; Mr. Hume gave up his Indentures, and the Father forbid him from that Instant ever to see him more, nor did he leave the Place till he saw his Son absolutely turned out of Doors The poor melancholy Youth went to a Friends House, where he was very frequent in his Visits, and was greatly esteemed, as he truly deserved; when he told the Story of his being deserted both by his Father and Master for a Fault he was not Guilty of, nor ever could though reduced to the lowest Ebb of Fortune, his Friend greatly pitied his Distress and promised him all the Assistance in his Power towards his Relief; first he advised him to insist on his master's turning him over to another, or permit him to serve out his Time with him, but that Mr. George declined till he had first endeavoured to clear up his Reputation with his Father, which both he and his Friend took infinite Pains to do, but to no Purpose, so far from it that Mr. Jennison (who was the Person who espoused Mr. George's Cause) offering to be at any Expence towards finding out the Author of the Letter which had caused the Separation of the Father and Son, he was desired never more to darken the Doors for any Person that would plead in George's Behalf would only be regarded in an equal Light. Mr. Jennison finding his Advocation out of tune, resolved never to trouble the old Gentleman again, but in every other Point to serve the unhappy Youth to the extent of his Power.

Mrs. Elstone despairing of ever seeing her Daughter more, sickened and Languished out a few Weeks till Death terminated the most sincere and real Sorrow that maternal Fondness ever felt.

Mr. Anthony took particular Care to behave with all the Duty and Affection to his Father that Hypocrisy was capable of acting, and as an Addition to his Deceit upon the Father's Declaration of cutting off the Brother with a Shilling, and making him his sole Heir, he begged him to forego so severe a Resolution as it must necessarily make him very unhappy to know he was possessed of an Affluence, while they, perhaps, were wandering thro' the World in search of Bread.

This seeming Tenderness made the fond believing Father still more a Friend to his worthless, wicked Son, and in short, he settled the whole of what he was worth upon him and his Heirs for ever, which when he came to possess, would have made him Master of about Twenty Thousand Pounds: As Mr. Elstone was very industrious and successful in his Business, he acquired in fewer Years than any Merchant had ever been known to do before him.

Young Mr. Hume's madness daily encreased, and continued for the Space of fifteen months, at the End of which Time he expired raving to the never-ceasing Sorrow of his discensolate Father. This young Gentleman's sad Catastrophe was the lucky means of preventing the Discovery of Anthony's Villainy; for had he retained his Senses but an Hour after he heard of Miss Jenny's Departure from her Father's House, he would undoubtedly have cleared up every Point as Circumstances, would have so strongly concurred to have proved the Innocence of the abused Party and the unparallel'd Wickedness of him who was the base Contriver of this shocking Scene of Ruin.

Poor Miss Jenny continued so very ill for near three Weeks, that her Life was hourly despaired of, which News pleased Anthony extreamly well, but Mrs Grimes, who always consulted her own Interest, was resolved (seeing her a beautiful Creature) to spare neither Cost or Pains to restore her, and as her Brother refused to advance a single Shilling upon that Score, the old woman took Miss's Cloaths and Jewels, in which she was brought to her House and sold them to the best Advantages, which amounted to a considerable Value, out of which she laid out about five Pounds to Cloath the poor unfortnate Girl in a plain manner, as soon as she was able to sit up, and when she was tolerably recovered, resolved to make her market of her, and that she might be secure of her Prey, she kept her locked up, never suffering any mortal to go nigh her but herself and Son, sti•l providing every Thing necessary for her, and to poor Miss's Imagination behaving with the motherly Tenderness of a disinterested old Woman.

This poor Girl on the Recovery of her Senses demanded by what means she was brought thither, upon which the old Woman mumps up a Tale of seeing her in the Hands of wicked People, and though a Stranger, she rescued her from them; and poor as she was had her brought Home to her House to prevent ill Usage, she must unavoidably have met with where she was, for do you know, Madam, said she, the House you was brought from was no less than a common Brothel; and if the wicked Jade who keeps it had not been frighted out of her Senses, seeing you to be a Person of Condition, you had not escaped so luckily, but she knew I was too well acquainted with her Tricks, and have it in my Power to hang her if I had a mind, therefore was glad to let You go at any Rate; I'm sure my poor old Heart bled to see your Danger, and glad I am to find you are likely to do well again, then forcing a dissembled Tear or two she desired miss to acquaint her with her Name and Family, all which the infamous Wretch knew before, but the poor unhappy Victim directly told her who she was, and intreated her to take a Letter from her to her Father's House, and go herself with it as she was best able to give an Account of the melancholy Cause of her Absence; in short, Letter after Letter was wrote for several Days, but all committed to the Flames by Mrs. Grimes, who pretended that her Father would send no Answer: And in fine, that she was forbid ever to bring any more, for he positively resolved never to see or hear of her again. She told her her mother was dead on the Account, the Loss of whom, as she was looked on to be the Occasion of her Death, greatly added to her Father's Anger, which by all she could learn was irrevocably fixed against her. The poor Thing also wrote several Letters to her Brother George, which met the same Fate of those intended for her Father. Such a multiplicity of Sorrows might reasonably be thought sufficient to break an adamantine Heart, but it pleased Heaven to preserve this unhappy maid, and furnish her with Strength to bear the severest Griefs her Fate could possibly inflict; when the old Woman brought her new plain Cloaths to put on, she pretended they were her Daughter's which she lent her to save her own, for which this poor Innocent was very thankful and thought herself highly obliged, but on her being able to walk about and intreating to walk down Stairs, she was terribly startled at Mrs Grimes refusing to let her out of the Room, and still insisting to lock her in, alledging that it was dangerous for her to go out lest she should be way laid and intrap'd by those wicked People she had redeemed her from, besides, said she, you want for nothing, and my Son and I will be with you as frequently as possible, and till you have gathered Strength you are much better in your own Apartment, than by catching cold, run the Hazard of a Relapse. Poor miss Jenny was in the Lion's Paws and obliged to Comply, but began to have a Secret dread at Richard's Approach, who had for his three or four last Visits pretended to be mighty fond of her, and as she was too often in his Power she feared the C•nsequences of it, which one Evening had liked to have proved very fatal had it not been for a sudden Accident which prevented it. Mrs Grimes was gone out for the whole Day and left a strict Charge with her Son Dick to take all imaginable Care of poor Jenny, which he promised very saithfully to do, paying her several Visits and behaved very decently; at last he proposed if she pleased to play a Game at Cards with her to pass away a few melancholy Hours, which she with great Reluctancy at last consented to, it growing pretty late in the Evening. According to his Order the maid brought up a roasted Fowl for Supper, and a Bowl of Punch; Dick still behaving with the utmost Complaisance, hIS mother not being come Home, he entreated the Favour to 〈◊〉 with her after Supper, which he did till all the Family were gone to Bed except the maid who sat up for her mistress, when he was quite assured that all was safe, master Richard began to be very Amorous, and thereby troublesome to the poor Soul who sat trembling by him with terrible Apprehensions of his using the horrid Power he had to do her the greatest Injury in the World: at last he began to take such Freedoms as too plainly convinced her of his cruel Design, on which she shrieked out, and he being only possessed of a brutal Passion struck her, menacing severest Vengeance on her if she dared to speak above her Breath, telling her plainly he would not stir-out of the Room till he had gained his Ends; the poor Soul struggled with him till she had no longer Strength to resist him, and throwing her on the Bed, and intended Sacrifice to his Brutality, before he could accomplish his wicked Purpose a dreadful Outery of Fire was heard in the Street; and though a terrible Circumstance proved the happy means of Miss Jenny's Deliverance; the very next Door was a very great Oil-shop, which was unhappily set on fire through the Carelessness of a Servant who was very sleepy going to Bed, leaving the Candle in an old matted Chair, and in less than two Hours most of the Houses were consumed on that Side of the Street: Dick was alarmed at the Outery and ran down directly, and poor Jenny after him as well as she could, tho' more terrified at the Thoughts of the Danger she was in resolved within herself to take that Opportunity of escaping from her Prison, late as it was, was determined to sit all Night in the Street rather than run the Chance of being ruined by that infamous Fellow, in her weak Condition. The Reader may suppose with the Addition of her Fright she must be terribly reduced—Richard in his Confusion never missed or thought of her till next Morning, and could not very well tell whether she came out of the Room when he did, or perished in the Flames; for his Mother's House was reduced to Ashes before she came home, when to her great surprize she found she had not a Place to shelter herself nor bed to lie on, as the Neighbourhood in every Street about are naturally asarmed at such dreadful Disasters. Poor Jenny was luckily met by a good-natured Man who was going to the Fire, and perceiving by her Looks she was just come from it, he advised her to go in and set down in the Watch-House, but she told him she had no Money, and she supposed they would not let her set there for nothing, upon which he conducted her, and giving the Watchmen a Shilling with positive Orders to take Care of her that Night.

In the morning she wandered to Mr. Hume's in hopes of seeing her Brother George, bat how great was her Amazement when she heard of his being turned away in the manner he was, and when she was informed ofher Lover's Death she was like a distracted Creature; farther she was told her Father had cut both her and Mr. George off with a Shilling, and made Anthony his sole Heir, and that all was owing to her running away, and George being thought accessary to it: This Information she received from an old Servant of mr. Hume's, who was left in Care of his House till it was lett, his master since his Son's Death having lest off Business and retired into the Country.

Miss Jenny assured the good man of her and her Brother's Innocence, alledging that she found they had been both betrayed but by whom she could not tell; she then requested him to go to her Father with a Letter, but he assured her it would be a sruitless Attempt, for he was so enraged he would not suffer her's or mr. George's Name to be mentioned in his hearing: what to do in this exquisite Distress she could not tell, however, one Gleam of Comfort appeared through all this Cloud of Sorrow, for she got Information where to find mr. George at mr. Jennison's; the good-natured man sent for a Coach to conduct her thither, and believing her to be quite Innocent and positively an injured Person, slipped a Guinea into her Hand, and wishing her better Fortune, begged her not to be seen there again, as it might endanger his losing his Place if it should be known. When she arrived at mr. Jennison's, the Joy of seeing her Brother greatly alleviated her misery, as the unexpected Interview did his; they wept and kindly condoled each other's Fate, but from what Cause it sprung they neither of them could imagine: The Cause said mr. Jennison is plain enough, your Brother Anthony is at the Bottom on it as sure as Light, and he has gain'd his point, and take my word for it one Day or other when it may be too late, his Villainy may be discovered. However, you may depend on this Friend George, while I am master of a Shilling neither you or miss Jenny shall want, though said he, sighing, Heaven only knows how long that may be, for Things are not with me now as formerly, as indeed it soon after proved, for the poor Gentleman was in about six weeks Time obliged to step aside, and all he was worth in the world was not sufficient to answer the large Demands upon him, which was chiefly occasioned through considerable Losses in Trade.

This unlucky stroke of Fortune drove poor George and his Sister into the wide World, but they never separated, shifting for three Years as well as they could for daily Bread: Miss Jenny earned what she could by her Needle, at best poor Subsistance. And her Brother, whose Credit was broke amongst the merchants, undertook to teach those Accompts, and kept a little School, but with much Difficulty between them both could raise even a homely livelihood.

Mrs. Grimes upon her misfortune went to mr. Anthony Elstone to claim his Promise of the Five Hundred Pound, which be would have declined as not being in immediate Possession of the Fortune, but she insisted on a Bond, which he gave her out of Fear of a Discovery: As to his Sister she was concluded to have perished by the Fire, as they had never heard any Thing of her since.

As Providence has in itself several wonderful and surprising Turns, I must now give a very remarkable Instance of its Care of poor George and his Sister Jane.

GEORGE's Reputation having been so cruelly blasted in the City, He chose to reside at a different End of the Town, for which Reason he took a couple of Rooms in one of the little Streets near Red Lion Square, and in an Evening in the Summer Time would frequently take a walk with his Sister up as far as Pancras; and at the End of one of Red-Lion Fields, he had for many weeks observed a venerable clean old man, who did not ask Charity, but bowed with a submissive supplicating Look that claimed a Human Regard from every Passer by, among the rest poor George and Jenny as often as they could would throw in their mites, and with so tender and compassionate an Air, it seemed rather an Obligation to themselves than to the Person on whom they bestowed their kind Benevolence; the poor old man had taken particular Notice of this couple whom he took for man and wife, but observed something in their Aspect and Deportment that declared them what they really were, two well bred distressed People, and resolved within himself the next Time he saw them to be better acquainted with them. Soon after they took their Evening walk, and the old man spying them at a Distance, made towards them and met them half way the Field: my good master, said he, I beg pardon for stopping you, but I have been often obliged to your friendly Charity, and am now come to thank you for it in a particular manner, and if you will condescend to give a poor man your Company for few moments, I'll conduct you to a House where we can more freely converse than in this Place, don't be offended Sir, nor you my good mistress, for what I have to say is worth Your Attenuca, and if you should not approve of a Proposal I have to make You. I can but ask your Pardon and trouble you no farther, they answered him in a very good natured and obliging Manner, and consented to walk back to Powis Wells, where they called for a private Room, and the old man to their great Surprize, ordered a Cloath to be laid, and the Table was spread in 'an instant' with a cold Fowl and a Place of Ham, and a Bottle of Wine; he threw aside his Crutches, and begged of 'em not to be surprized if he took the Liberty to alter his Countenance which he did by taking of a long grey Beard and his worsted Cap, and placing in its 〈◊〉 a very neat bob wig he had in his Pocket: This Tranformation discovered him to be a very handsome man, very little more than forty Years of Age, and when he pulled off his wash-leather Gloves to sit at Table, made another Discovery of the finest and whitest Hand they had ever beheld; he helped Mr. George and his Sister in a very polite manner, and before he eat, drank a Glass of wine to a lasting F••endship between them, which they very readily pledged; 〈◊〉 we have regaled, said he, if you are not in haste, I'll tell you the Reason why I have asked this Favour of You, and hope it will prove as agreeable to you as I have some Reason to believe it will be to me, they soon finished their Collation, and when the Things were taken away he ordered the Landlord not to let any body come to them till they rang, which in a very respectful manner, he said, they should not, on which he began asking mr. George first of all whether they were man and wife? And upon hearing they were only Brother and Sister, they perceived an unusual Joy sparkle in his Eyes, and begged the Favour of miss Jenny to favour him with the Privilege of saluting her, which she did, and now, madam, said he. give me Leave to inform you that though I live by Charity, I am better able to bestow it than three Parts of those from whom I receive it, but I hope as I design to do good with what I have got I shan't be blamed for the means by which I have acquired an immense Fortune; and the first Step towards it I humbly offer that, and an honest Heart to make you honourably happy for the remaining Part of Life.

I own, madam, said he, this is a sudden Attack upon your modesty, but as it flows from the Result of a tender Passion I have for some weeks past sustained for you, I hope you will excuse this quick manner of requesting the only. Blessing I wish to enjoy on Eath: miss Jenny blushed and was at a Loss for words to express her Thanks, and avoid the Appearance of being either forward in complying or impertinently rejecting if what he said was true, must be a very advantageous offer, but to prevent her Confusion her Brother answered for her intreating the Gentleman which he perceived he was not to insalt on a positive Answer till they were a little better acquainted; for, Sir, said he, we are two unfortunate Twins who have sustained very great injuries, which have made us the outcast of our Families, and cut us of from a very good inheritance, which I believe would have amounted to near Seven Thousand Pounds a Piece. Now, Sir, our misfortunes have taught us rather to increase that Store of Friendship we imbibed from infancy, therefore thro' every Change of Life I am resolved to be a faithful Guardian to my Sister's Honour, and protect her even at Life's Expence from any Danger she may be liable to, not that I suspect any ill from You Sir, and hope You will not be offended at my cautious Care for so dear and near a Relation. No, Sir, replied the other, I rather applaud than condemn You for it; but as Earnest of my Truth, I beg, Sir, You will do me the favour to accept of this Trifle for Your present Use (putting into his Hand a Silk Purse with fifty Guineas in it.) To-morrow I desire to see You and this fair Lady at my House by Dinner; please to enquire for mr. Cornish at the Two Red Lamps in Dean-Street, Soho, where you'll find every Thing I hope agreeable to You and your Sister's Expectations. I won't detain you longer but beg you to consider well on what I have offered, and know me hereafter as a Friend, and I hope a Brother; they took leave, and the Gentleman resumed his venerable Appearance, and discharging the reckoning he went to his Stand till Evening, and went home well pleased at his Afternoon's Adventure. Mr. George had a great deal of Reason to conceive a high Opinion of his new Acquaintance, and advised his Sister to resolve upon the Match, which she promis'd to do in case every thing answer'd to what he had told them.

Next Day he went to Dean-street, and upon the Coach stopping at the Door, was open'd by a footman in a lac'd Livery before the Coachman could get off his Box; and Mr Cornish dress'd like a Man of Fashion ready to hand the Lady in, whom he conducted into a very handsome Dining-Room splendidly Furnished, and at one End a noble Sideboard of Plate fit for a Nobleman: Now, Madam, said he, permit me to bid you welcome to your House for that, and all that it contains is Your's if you please to except of it; she bow'd and blush'd, and Mr. Cornish continu'd paying his Addresses in the politest Manner possible, Dinner was served, at which there was fifteen Dishes, five at a Course with the best the Season of the Year afforded, when that Ceremony was over Mr. Cornish brought Mr Elstone a Pocket Book, out of which he counted out Bank Notes to the amount of upwards of forty Thousand Pounds, which he and his Father before him had amass'd by begging; yet this is not all that I am worth, for I have several Houses, and have often received charity from my tenants in their coaches, who at the same Time did not know they were relieving their Landlord. I have but one Servant belonging to me that knows any thing of my Course of Life, and he's an old Fellow that lived with my Father before my Remembrance: he always attends me to our House of Rendezvous, and is principal Secretary of our begging State, in short, they pass'd the Afternoon with a Recital of both their Fortunes; and Mr. Cornish heard of the Cruelty of George and Jenny's Fate he shed a kind, commiserating Tear for both, but most especially for Miss Jenny, whom he loved, and was pleased to find she had an equal share of sense and beauty: After they had told their separate Tales, Mr. Cornish requested 'em to pass the Evening, and as Mr. Elstone was perfectly convinc'd of his being in all Points capable of making his Sister happy On Mr. Cornish's moving his suit again, 'twas concluded in a few Days to fix their Widding, which was at Queen's-Square Chapel, near Ormond-street; and as Mr. Cornish was King of the Begging Crew, there was a grand Festival held the next Day at their House of Rendezvous, where he resigned his Throne to another, allowing a Yearly Pension to support the Dignity of their Society, which was kept in more exact Order and strict Decorum than some Constitutions which might fare much better if they were governed by their Example.

The Wedding was kept at home with great Splendor, where was present a young Lady of ten Thousand Pound Fortune, who changed Hearts at first Sight with Mr. Elstone, but he not having it in his Power to address the young Lady for want of an equivalent Stipend, he heartily sigh'd for her, till his Brother-in-Law perceiving him grow melancholy, enquiring into the Cause, soon made up the Match to the unspeakable Satisfaction of both Parties.

As Providence had been careful in rewarding these injured Innocents, so was it no less concerned in punishing the Guilty, as will appear by the powerful End of Mr. Anthony, who was in a Visit to Mr. Hume, attack'd on the Road by a party of Highwaymen, whom he endeavoured to rest, but they resolvidg on their Booty, shot at him, which not proving effectual, they drew their Hangers and stabbed him in different Parts of his Body, and left him weltering in his Blood upon the Road, where he soon expired. The Highwaymen made off, and the Deceased was soon own'd by some Passengers coming along the Road, the News was directly carried to town to his Father, who griev'd much for him, till in a few Days upon searching in his Closet, he found several Papers under his own Hand, which fully discovered the Villainy he had been Guilty of to his injured Brother and Sister. Mr. Elstone greatly condemn'd his hasty Credulity to the Ruin of as he fear'd of his unhappy Son and Daughter, nor did he know whether they were living or dead; his old Friend Mr. Hume upon hearing the News of Anthony's Death came to town to pay him a Visit of Condolence, but when he saw the Memorials of his Villainy to his Brother and Sister, he rather congratulated him on the happy Ridance of so infamous a burden and disgrace to his Family: but now, said Mr. Hume, Your business is to make a strict Enquiry after your abused Children, and by a tender Reconciliation endeavour to make them the best amends you can for all their Sufferings: the only ready Means is to advertise in case they are living that if they will return to You they will find all that can be wish'd for to make them happy; and as I hope to be a Witness of so pleasing an Interview, I'll stay in town the whole Week to join my blessing with Your's, to poor Jenny, who was once my intended Son-in-Law, the Rememb•••ce of which drew Tears from the good old Gentleman's Eyes in respect to the tender Love he bore his Son, and farther, said he, I have a Pardon to ask of poor George, for so rashly forcing upon him his Indentures, and thereby ruining his Credit among the Merchants. An Advertisement was sent over Night, which Mr. George reading at breakfast next Morning, he went with his Sister directly (over-joy'd to throw themselves once again a their Father's Feet:) Mr. Hume bore an equal share of Tenderness at the sight of these worthy Persons, and declared an honourable Intention of making them both his Heirs, which entitled 'em to Five and Twenty Thousand Pounds each; thro the Hurry and surprising Joy of meeting, neither of the old Gentlemen had time to observe the splendid Appearance they made, but at last Mr. Hume looking thro' the Dining-Room Sash saw a very handsome gilt Coach at the Door, and asking whose it was? Mine, said Mrs. Cornish, Sir on which she related the Story of her Fortune from the Time of her being decoyed from her Father to her Marriage, as did Mr. George the same: And next Day great Preparations were made for the Reception of their Spouses, who to make amends for past Affections, mutaully agreed to retire all together at an ancient Seat Mr. Cornish had purchased a few Years before, where they pass the Remains of Life in an uninterrupted State of fo•… •…egard, and general Tranquility.

Information about this book

Title statement

The lover's treat: or, unnatural hatred: Being a true narrative ... Written by Mrs. Charke, ...

Charke, Charlotte, 1713-1760.

Publication

Distributor

University of Oxford Text Archive
Oxford University Computing Services
13 Banbury Road
Oxford
OX2 6NN
ota@oucs.ox.ac.uk

ID [ota]

http://ota.ox.ac.uk/id/4473

ID [isbn10]

1106014723

ID [isbn13]

9781106014726

ID [TCP]

K058426.000

ID [BIBNO]

CW3313772265

ID [ECLL]

0663901100

Availability

Distributed by the University of Oxford under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License

Source

— The lover's treat: or, unnatural hatred: Being a true narrative ... Written by Mrs. Charke, ..., Charke, Charlotte, 1713-1760.. 40p. ; 12⁰. London :: printed and sold at Bailey's Printing-Office,. [1758?]. [Reproduction of original from the British Library.] [English Short Title Catalog, ESTCT68295.] [Electronic data. Farmington Hills, Mich. : Thomson Gale, 2003. Page image (PNG). Digitized image of the microfilm version produced in Woodbridge, CT by Research Publications, 1982-2002 (later known as Primary Source Microfilm, an imprint of the Gale Group).]

Creation

Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2p5.xsl, TEI @ Oxford.

Editorial practices

This electronic text file was keyed from page images and partially proofread for accuracy. Character capture and encoding have been done following the guidelines of the ECCO Text Creation Partnership, which correspond roughly to the recommendations found in Level 4 of the TEI in Libraries Guidelines. Digital page images are linked to the text file.