I did know her formerly, said the Steward; but ’tis
so long since I saw her, that I have now quite forgot
her: She’s grown ancient, says the Gentleman,
but she has a Daughter that is a very fine Woman:
Is she married says the Steward? No, says the
Gentleman, but she deserves a good Husband, for she’s
very Handsome; and not only so, but she has a good
Portion. After this Discourse, the Gentleman
takes a Glass, Come Mr. Brightwell said he,
to the Steward, here’s a good Health to Mrs.
Pierpoint and her Daughter Mrs. Betty;
withal my heart replied Mr. Brightwel, (for
that was the Steward’s Name) and then he drank
to the Gentleman, remembring all their Friends in
Bedfordshire, especially at Hargrave.
All these Passages the Bawd, who waited for one to
come to her, in the next Room, heard distinctly, and
took especial Notice of them; determining in herself
to make some use of them: For she had a very
great mind to be fingering of the fifty Guineas, and
was laying a Plot how to come at them. And since
the Man of Quality that was to meet her fail’d,
she was resolv’d not to spend her time altogether
idly. And therefore having Paid for the Pint of
Wine she had call’d for, she attended the two
Gentlemens motion; and finding they were ready to
go (she having taken a distinct view of them thro’
a hole in the wall) went out first herself, and waited
in a convenient place for their coming out, which
was soon after. When they were parted, one going
towards Long Lane, and the other through St.
Bartholomews Hospital, the Bawd made it her
Business to wait upon the Ladies Steward, who had the
Fifty Guinea’s (which was the Prize she aim’d
at) she takes an opportunity of getting before him,
and then meeting him in Long-Lane: And
just as she came at him, making a stand, I think,
Sir, said she to him I shou’d know you:
If I been’t mistaken, your’e a Bedfordshire
Man: I am so, Madam, says the Steward: Then
Sir, says she, I presume your Name’s Brightwell.
Yes, Madam, said he, it is so; but I don’t know
you: No, Sir, says she, I believe you have forgot
me; but my Name’s Pierpoint: Brightwel
hearing her say so, was a little surpriz’d,
and started: How Madam, said he, Pierpoint!
Yes Sir, says she, you han’t forgot Pierpoint
of Hargrave, I suppose; I have some small Estate
there still: Madam says he, I am very glad to
see you; It is not an hour ago since I was Drinking
your Health: I hope your good Daughter’s
very well: She’s very well at your Service,
Sir, replyed the old Crone; and I hope, Sir, you’l
do me the honour to go and see her: I’ll
wait upon you another time, Madam, said he, but I an’t
in a condition to wait upon a young Lady now; O you
are very well, reply’d she; come, you shall
go along with me; and taking him by the Hand, leads
him along with her: The Steward was the more
willing to go, upon the account of what the Gentleman
had said to him at the Tavern about Mrs. Pierpoint
and her Daughter, and so went with her the more easily.