Page:Pathetic history of George Barnwell the London apprentice.pdf/5

 ples were undermined by the flatteries of those who surrounded her. She at length married a Mr Milwood, who two years afterwards lost his life in a midnight broil. In the course of her daily perambulations, she one morning encountered Barnwell, as he was coming out of a house in Lombard-street, and she resolved not to let slip an opportunity of making a profitable adventure of her morning's walk. No sooner had she made up her mind on the subject, than observing him turn to view her with some attention, she made a false step, and, with a loud scream, fell on one knee. The ill-fated youth immediately tendered his assistance, and, raising her from the ground, she expressed her fears that she had dislocated her ancle, and she found herself utterly unable to walk without his assistance, and entreated that he would increase her obligations by assisting her to reach her residence in Cannon-street. Barnwell complied with her request, and conducted the artful woman to her house, where she insisted upon his entering and receiving some refreshment.

Eager to improve the moment, Milwood threw herself upon a sofa, and raising her leg from the ground, as if in agony, and apologising for her apparent indelicacy, solicited the youth to examine if the ancle appeared swollen. The request, coupled with the appearance of a most