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 but I must have her, and with her own consent.

Hastings smiling, immediately said, Take no care, for this shall be easy to your Majesty: There is one Mrs. Blague, your lace-woman, has a house pretty near Shore's, and is very intimate with his wife. This woman is very fond of money, to such a degree, that would make her do anything. Her will I engage to do this matter, and trust me she will bring it to pass to your satisfaction. The King liked this advice, and it was agreed, that he should see her at this Mrs. Plague's, and have freedom to court her, but she should not know that he was the King, till he thought proper to have it discovered.

Lord Hastings was not idle in promoting his master's happiness, but with gifts and large promises, soon made the lace woman pliable, so that many meetings were made at her house, the King coming in disguise as her friend; and tho' Mrs. Blague