; for the apothecary was not ill pleased to find his daughter married
to a young man of a good prospect, who had not mentioned to him one syllable on
the article of her dowry; and his wife was rejoiced at being rid of a rival in
her gallants, and a spy upon her pleasures. - Nor was I without selfenjoyment at
this event, when I reflected upon the revenge I had unwittingly taken upon my
enemy, in making him a cuckold by anticipation. - But I little dreamed what a
storm of mischief was brewing against me, whilst I thus indulged myself. -
Whatever face Gawkey put on the matter, my discovery of the adventure before
related, and the reproaches I vented against him, had stung him to the soul, and
cherished the seeds of emnity so strongly in his breast, that he (it seems)
imparted his indignation to his wife, who being as desirous as he to compass the
ruin of one that not only slighted her caresses, but was able on any occasion to
discover particulars not at all advantageous to her character, readily joined in
a conspiracy against me, which (had it taken effect as they expected) would
infallibly have brought me to an ignominious death.
    My master having several times missed large quantities of medicines of which
I could give no account, at last lost all patience, and in plain terms taxed me
with having embezzled them for my own use. As I could only oppose my single
asseveration to this suspicion, he told me one day, »By gar, your vord not be
give me de satisfaction - me find necessaire to chercher for my medicine,
pardonnez moy - il faut chercher - me demand le clef of your coffre a cette
heure.« - Then raising his voice to conceal the fright he was in, lest I should
make any opposition, he went on, »Oui, foutre, I charge you rendrer le clef of
your coffre - moi - si, moi qui vous parle.« - I was fired with so much
resentment and disdain at this accusation, that I burst into tears, which he
took for a sign of guilt; and pulling out my key, told him he might satisfy
himself immediately, though he would not find it so easy to satisfy me for the
injury my reputation had suffered from his unjust suspicion. - He took the key
and mounted up to my chamber, attended by the whole family; saying, »He bien,
nous verrons - nous verrons.« - But what was my horror and amazement, when
opening my chest, I saw them pull out an handful of the
