Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/43

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knowing me, dropt a low curtesy as I advanced, which I returned with a profound bow, and shut the door. By the time I had turned about, she had perceived her mistake, changed colour, and went away tittering and I heard her pronounce the word creature. From this day forward she came into the shop fifty times every day on various pretences and put in practice so many ridiculous airs, that I could easily perceive her opinion of me was changed, but my heart was so steeled against her charms, by pride and resentment, that notwithstanding some advances she made, I could not be prevailed upon to yield her the least attention. This neglect soon banished all the favourable impressions she left for me, and rage took place in her heart; which she manifested by all her malice could invent to prejudice me with her father and procured me such servile offices as she hoped would humble my spirit. In the mean time, my industry and knowledge gained me the good will of my master, who had a great deal of business. I soon saw I had reason to believe I had inspired on of the maids with tender sentiments for me; and one night, when I thought every person in the house asleep, I took

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