Page:Pathetic history of George Barnwell the London apprentice.pdf/11

 consistent with her affection for one whom she prized so highly; to which the credulous youth listened. Before Barnwell left his mistress on the following morning, she had intimated to him the necessity of procuring a fresh supply of money, as her funds were again nearly exhausted; the enamoured youth promised to comply, and vowed that nothing should induce him to cause her future unhappiness.—-This declaration was received by Milwood with a great show of gratitude, and she entreated him to come every evening, if he only remained with her a single hour; he assented, and took his leave.

Weeks thus crept on, and as Barnwell's affection for his seducer was ever on the increase, his love for Maria naturally declined. Still, however, to save appearances, he continued to pay her his customary attentions; but they were not the effusions of sincere love, and the scrutinizing eye of affection did not fail to observe the constraint which marked his conduct. Many were the unhappy hours which the discovery cost Maria.

But notwithstanding our youth appeared still attentive to the duties of his business, his visits to his wicked mistress were observed with the most rigid punctuality. She never failed to drain him closely, whenever she found he had received money; and often-times was he compelled to draw