Jane Douglas (1761)
We are credibly informed that old Jane, once cleared 20 shillings by a bottle of arrack in punch. The reader may perhaps be inclined to call this fact in question, but we shall relate it with all the veracity of a faithful biographer.
The servant having made four five-shilling bowls out of one bottle, and more being called for; whispered his mistress for the key; in order to get another bottle.
Old Jane immediately took up her crutch, and with great emotion, asked him, what was gone with the bottle she had given him.
He told her he had made four bowls, and it was all out; hereupon Jane d––ned him for a good-for-nothing rascal, swore that such a fellow would be the ruin of her, and immediately turned him out by the shoulders.
3
Chapter XIII.
Contains an account of an amorous adventure of Mother D––s.
A gentleman of a considerable fortune conceived a longing to have an interview with Jenny, but his motive was rather curiosity than love. Jenny listened to his addresses, but as she was a perfect mistress of every branch of her business, and knew how to make the best hand of a cully, she bound him by strong articles to disburse a pretty round sum in case she should prove with child, and a sum was likewise to be settled on the offspring, if there should be any.
The gentleman who was resolved to have his jest, agreed to these terms, and the favour was granted; but Jenny, being an experienced dame, found means to turn the jest against him.
She had taken her measures so well, that about the limited time, she found herself with child, returned into the country; and when the time necessary for her lying-in was expired, she returned to town with a poor child, whom she purchased from a country-woman, who was very glad to get rid of the burden.
The child being exactly of the same age that Jenny's would have been of, if she had had one, perfectly answered her purpose.
The gentleman having received information, that Jenny was come to town, went to see her, and his supposed daughter.
Everybody told him, that it had a strong resemblance of him, and he was so highly delighted thereat, that he settled five hundred pounds upon it, which remained in the stocks till the fatal day that put a period to the life of the illustrious Jane.