Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/52

 with O'Donnell becoming plainer and plainer, insinuated herself so artfully into the affection of this new lodger, that in less than a fortnight they drove away together to the Fleet, where they were coupled; and the apothecary was not ill-pleased to find his daughter married to a young man of a good prospect. But I little dreamed what a storm of mischief was brewing against me, whilst I thus indulged myself. Whatever face Gawky put on the matter, my discovery of the adventure before related, and the reproaches I vented against him, had so stung him to the soul, that he imparted his indignation to his wife, who being as desirous as he to compass the ruin of me, which, had it taken effect, would have infallibly brought me to an ignominious death.

My master having several times missed large quantities of medicines, of which I could give no account, at last lost all patience, and in plain terms taxed me with having embezzled them for my own use. I was fired with resentment and disdain at this accusation, and pulling out the key of my chest, told him he might satisfy himself immediately. He took the key, and went to my chamber, attended by the whole family; but what was my horror and amazement, when opening my chest, I saw them pull out an handful of the very things that were missing? I had not