 many ridiculous airs, that I
could easily perceive her opinion of me was chang'd, and that she did not think
me altogether an unworthy conquest - But my heart was so steel'd against her
charms by pride and resentment, which were two chief ingredients in my
disposition, that I remain'd insensible to all her arts; and notwithstanding
some advances she made, could not be prevail'd upon to yield her the least
attention - This neglect soon banish'd all the favourable impressions she felt
for me, and the rage of a slighted woman took place in her heart; which she
manifested not only in all the suggestions her malice could invent to my
prejudice with her father, but also in procuring for me such servile
employments, as she hoped, would sufficiently humble my spirit. One day in
particular, she order'd me to brush my master's coat, but I refusing, a smart
dialogue ensued, which ended in her bursting into tears of rage; when her mother
interposing, and examining into the merits of the cause, determin'd it in my
favour; and this good office I ow'd not to any esteem or consideration she had
for me, but solely to the desire of mortifying her daughter, who on this
occasion observ'd, that let people be never so much in the right, there were
some folks who would never do them justice; but to be sure, they had their
reason for it, which some people were not ignorant of, although they despised
their little arts. - This insinuation of some people and some folks, put me upon
observing the behaviour of my mistress more narrowly for the future; and it was
not long before I had reason to believe that she look'd upon her daughter as a
rival in the affections of captain Odonnell, who lodged in the house. - In the
mean time my industry and knowledge gain'd me the good will of my master, who
would often say in French, »Mardy! c'est un bon Garçon.« He had a great deal of
business; but as he was mostly employ'd among his fellow refugees, his profits
were small. - However, his expence for medicines was not great, he being the
most expert man at a succedaneum, of any apothecary in London, so that I have
been sometimes amaz'd to see him without the least hesitation, make up a
physician's prescription, though he had not in his shop one medicine mention'd
in it. - Oyster-shells he could convert into crab
