Miss Rawlins’s brother tells her, that she lives at Mrs. Moore’s.

Mrs. Moore can do nothing without Miss Rawlins.

People who keep lodgings at public places expect to get by every one who comes into their purlieus.  Though not permitted to lodge there myself, I have engaged all the rooms she has to spare, to the very garrets; and that, as I have told thee before, for a month certain, and at her own price, board included; my spouse’s and all:  but she must not at present know it.  So I hope I have Mrs. Moore fast by the interest.

This, devil-like, is suiting temptations to inclinations.

I have always observed, and, I believe, I have hinted as much formerly,* that all dealers, though but for pins, may be taken in by customers for pins, sooner than by a direct bribe of ten times the value; especially if pretenders to conscience:  for the offer of a bribe would not only give room for suspicion, but would startle and alarm their scrupulousness; while a high price paid for what you buy, is but submitting to be cheated in the method of the person makes a profession to get by.  Have I not said that human nature is a rogue?**—­And do not I know that it is?

* See Vol.  III.  Letter XXXIV. ** See Vol.  III.  Letter XXXV. and Vol.  IV.  Letter XXI.

To give a higher instance, how many proud senators, in the year 1720, were induced, by presents or subscription of South-sea stock, to contribute to a scheme big with national ruin; who yet would have spurned the man who should have presumed to offer them even twice the sum certain that they had a chance to gain by the stock?—­But to return to my review and to my precautions.

Miss Rawlins fluctuates, as she hears the lady’s story, or as she hears mine.  Somewhat of an infidel, I doubt, is this Miss Rawlins.  I have not yet considered her foible.  The next time I see her, I will take particular notice of all the moles and freckles in her mind; and then infer and apply.

The widow Bevis, as I have told thee, is all my own.

My man Will. lies in the house.  My other new fellow attends upon me; and cannot therefore be quite stupid.

Already is Will. over head and ears in love with one of Mrs. Moore’s maids.  He was struck with her the moment he set his eyes upon her.  A raw country wench too.  But all women, from the countess to the cook-maid, are put into high good humour with themselves when a man is taken with them at first sight.  Be they ever so plain [no woman can be ugly, Jack!] they’ll find twenty good reasons, besides the great one (for sake’s sake) by the help of the glass without (and perhaps in spite of it) and conceit within, to justify the honest fellow’s caption.

’The rogue has saved 150L. in my service.’—­More by 50 than I bid him save.  No doubt, he thinks he might have done so; though I believe not worth a groat.  ’The best of masters I—­passionate, indeed; but soon appeased.’