Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/113

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plained of her fortunes, and pressed her to an assignation, and in a few days she consented to meet me at the house of that milliner who had forwarded all my letters. At length the happy hour arrived. I flew to the place of rendezvous, and was conducted into an apartment where I had not waited ten minutes when I heard the sound of feet ascending the stairs. My heart took the alarm, and beat quick, my cheek's glowed, my nerves thrilled, and my knees shook with extacy! I perceived the door opening, saw a gold brocade petticoat advance. and sprung forward to embrace my charmer.—Heaven and earth how shall I paint my situation when I found Miss Sparkle converted into a wrinkled hag turned of 70! I was struck with amazement, and petrified with horror! This ancient (illegible text) perceived my disorder and approaching with a languishing air settled my had asking in a squeaking voice, if I was indisposed. Her monstrous affection completed the disgust I had conceived for her. At length however, I recollected myself and pronounced an apology for my behavior. She told me her name was Withers; that she lived with Sir John Sparkle, in quality of governess to his only daughter; in which situation, she had picked up a

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