Page:Pathetic history of George Barnwell the London apprentice.pdf/15

 man, indeed, who had been, from their first introduction, the tried and sworn friend of George, observed a change in him, which escaped the notice of those who were contented with a more superficial view of his conduct.

A month only had sufficed for Milwood to spend the money which our hero had secreted from his master's service, and another demand was made upon his liberality. At first he resisted the evident extortion of his mistress; but finding it in vain to contend, and being required in the customary manner either to bring a fresh supply of money at his next visit, or to come to her house no more, the poor victim returned home, fully prepared to lay his master's property again under contribution. He thought little now about replacing what he should take away, since as the debt accumulated, he became more desperate, and careless of the result.

From this moment the artful woman assumed a degree of despotic rule over her unresisting victim, which she never before attempted; since, as she justly calculated, his mind being completely vitiated, he was willing to become her instrument in the execution of any designs, however remote from honour or rectitude. Her demands upon his purse now became unremitted, and his presence was received with either smiles or frowns, in proportion as he came loaded with golden of-