Mr. Mastin came the next day, and was brought up into my room. As the liberty he had purchased was more extensive than the day before, he soon surprised me by his familiarity; and at last I threatened him, that if he did not behave better I would tell my mother. He desired I would, and I should learn from her, that there was no impropriety in his behaviour.

Ashamed of the complaints I had to make, I did not immediately keep my word; but finding I could not make him desist, I told him, that ‘if he did not mend his manners, I would go and tell all to my mother.’ He declared I should not leave him; but was very willing that I should ring the bell, and send for her.

I did accordingly; and when she came, I acquainted her with ‘what a horrid rude man Mr. Mastin was; and that he was so desperate bold and impudent, I would stay with him no longer; and desired she would scold him.’

‘What for, child?’ said she, with a very discontented countenance, having flattered herself that the great prejudice I had expressed in his favour would have secured him an easier conquest; and that the shame I should feel for what I had done, and my desire of concealing it from her, would have been an additional proof of my simplicity, and greatly enhanced my charms. But finding her hopes frustrated, she had another resource. ‘What should I scold Mr. Mastin for, child?’ said she: ‘May not a man take what liberties he will with his wife?’

‘With his wife!’ interrupted I. ‘But how am I his wife? I never was so much as in the same church with him in all my life.’

‘What is that to the purpose?’ replied Mrs. Tent: 'None but low country people make all that fuss about marriage.