Jane Douglas (1761)
Old Jane managed her house a long time with the greatest circumspection imaginable, and kept all snug, and upon occasion of any disturbance, as such things will sometimes happen in her way of business, she tipped the constables a yellow-boy;<6> the affair was amicably accomodated.
These Arguses of justice have sharp eyes, but the sight of a piece of gold has a great effect upon their organs of vision; so even when the house was full of whores from top to bottom they could never see any of them.
However, Jane once met with an accident, having offered a surly fellow of a constable a crown; the fellow thinking it too little, carried her before a magistrate. But how agreeably was Jane surprised to discover in him one of her old customers.
He having reprimanded the constable for seizing a woman of character, retired with Jane to another apartment, and told her that, he intended to call at her house the next day.
"God bless your honour, relpied old Jane, "you were always good, I'll take care to have one of the finest young creatures under the sun for you. I know your worship generous, and when my customers use me well, I leave no stone unturned to oblige them."
The sequel of this adventure between the bawd and the magistrate we shall waive to the next chapter.