The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders

It was enough to him to obtain her for a wife. As to what she had, she

told him plainly, that as he knew her circumstances, it was but just

she should know his; and though at the same time he had only known her

circumstances by common fame, yet he had made so many protestations of

his passion for her, that he could ask no more but her hand to his

grand request, and the like ramble according to the custom of lovers.

In short, he left himself no room to ask any more questions about her

estate, and she took the advantage of it like a prudent woman, for she

placed part of her fortune so in trustees, without letting him know

anything of it, that it was quite out of his reach, and made him be

very well content with the rest.

It is true she was pretty well besides, that is to say, she had about

#1400 in money, which she gave him; and the other, after some time, she

brought to light as a perquisite to herself, which he was to accept as

a mighty favour, seeing though it was not to be his, it might ease him

in the article of her particular expenses; and I must add, that by this

conduct the gentleman himself became not only the more humble in his

applications to her to obtain her, but also was much the more an

obliging husband to her when he had her. I cannot but remind the

ladies here how much they place themselves below the common station of

a wife, which, if I may be allowed not to be partial, is low enough

already; I say, they place themselves below their common station, and

prepare their own mortifications, by their submitting so to be insulted

by the men beforehand, which I confess I see no necessity of.

This relation may serve, therefore, to let the ladies see that the

advantage is not so much on the other side as the men think it is; and

though it may be true that the men have but too much choice among us,

and that some women may be found who will dishonour themselves, be

cheap, and easy to come at, and will scarce wait to be asked, yet if

they will have women, as I may say, worth having, they may find them as

uncomeatable as ever and that those that are otherwise are a sort of

people that have such deficiencies, when had, as rather recommend the

ladies that are difficult than encourage the men to go on with their

easy courtship, and expect wives equally valuable that will come at

first call.