Page:The Wanderer (1814 Volume 1).pdf/97

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item that I don't fancy being imposed upon; do you think, I say, because of that, I have so little Christian charity, as not to know that you may be a very good sort of woman in the main, for all some flaunty coxcomb may have played the scoundrel, and left you to the wide world, after teaching you to go so awry, that he knows the world will forsake you too? a thing for which, however, he'll pay well in time; as I make no doubt but the devil takes his own notes of all such actions."

She now cast the guinea upon the table. "I would rather, Sir," she cried, "beg alms of every passenger that I may meet, than owe succour to a species of pity that dishonours me!"

The Admiral looked at her with earnestness. "I don't well know," he said, "what class to put you in; but if you are really a virtuous woman, to be sure I ought to ask your pardon for that little hint I let drop; and, moreover, if I asked it upon my knees, I can't say I