Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/77

 I had not been long equipped, when me lady's bell rang; upon which I ran up stairs, and found her stalking about the room in her shirt and under-pettitcoat. I would have retired as became me, but she bid me come in and air a clean shift for her; which having done with some backwardness, she put it on before me with no ceremony, and I verily believe was ignorant of my sex all the time, being quite absorbed in contemplation.

At four I was ordered to lay the cloth, and place two covers, then my mistress approached accompanied by a young lady, whose name at present shall be Narcissa. Her age seemed to be seventeen and every engaging; when she spoke I listened with pleasure, but when she spoke to me, my sould was thrilled with an ecstacy of  joy. I was even so happy as to be the subject of the conversation; for Narcissa, having observed, said to her aunt, I see your new footman come. Then addressing herself me, asked  , if I  the person who had been   used by ? When had satisfied her in  she expressed a  of knowing   of my,  before and since my being shipwrecked. Hereupon as Rh