We left the company with great difficulty at about eleven, my dear
master having been up all night before, and we being at the greatest
distance from home; though they seemed inclinable not to break up so
soon, as they were neighbours; and the ladies said, They longed to hear
what would be the end of Lady Davers's interview with her brother.
My master said, He feared we must not now think of going next day to
Bedfordshire, as we had intended; and perhaps might see them again. And
so we took leave, and set out for home; where we arrived not till twelve
o'clock; and found Lady Davers had gone to bed about eleven, wanting
sadly that we should come home first; but so did not I.
Mrs. Jewkes told us, That my lady was sadly fretted that I had got away
so; and seemed a little apprehensive of what I would say of the usage
I had received from her. She asked Mrs. Jewkes, if she thought I
was really married? And Mrs. Jewkes telling her yes, she fell into a
passion, and said, Begone, bold woman, I cannot bear thee! See not my
face till I send for thee! Thou hast been very impudent to me once or
twice to-day already, and art now worse than ever. She said, She would
not have told her ladyship, if she had not asked her; and was sorry she
had offended. She sent for her at supper time: Said she, I have another question to
ask thee, woman, and tell me yes, if thou darest. Was ever any thing so
odd?--Why then, said Mrs. Jewkes, I will say No, before your ladyship
speaks.--My master laughed: Poor woman! said he.--She called her
insolent, and assurance; and said, Begone, bold woman as thou art!--but
come hither. Dost thou know if that young harlot is to be with my
brother to-night?
She said she knew not what to answer, because she had threatened her if
she said yes. But at last my lady said, I will know the bottom of this
iniquity. I suppose they won't have so much impudence to be together
while I'm in the house; but I dare say they have been bed-fellows.
Said she, I will lie to-night in the room I was born in; so get that
bed ready. That room being our bedchamber, Mrs. Jewkes, after some
hesitation, replied, Madam, my master lies there, and has the key. I
believe, woman, said she, thou tellest me a story. Indeed, madam, said
she, he does; and has some papers there he will let nobody see; for Mrs.
Jewkes said, she feared she would beat her if she went up, and found by
my clothes, and some of my master's, how it was.