Having been one day abroad, my Mistress desired me to call at the Carriers, to see if there was any young Country-Lasses come to Town (for our calling is not to be carried on to advantage without now and then having fresh Goods) I went to that purpose to Bosom’s Inn; and had that day drest up my self like a Country-Lass that I might with the less difficulty engage ’em.  But when I came thither, I found there was none:  While I was asking the Carrier when I might expect any, I saw a couple of young Gentlemen standing near me, as if they had some Business with the Carrier when I had done; which occasion’d me to make the more haste:  As soon as I had left the Carrier and was come away, before I was got into St. Lawrence Lane, they over-took me, and ask’d me if I was not a Lancashire Maid?  I told ’em Yes; being resolv’d to know what their design was.  Then they ask’d me what part of Lancashire?  I told ’em Preston; for I was acquainted with the Names of the chief Towns there.  They then desired me to go and take part of a Glass of Wine with them; which I at first seem’d to scruple, but being more importunately urg’d, I was easily perswaded.  And so went to the Feathers-Tavern near Queenstreet Corner in Cheapside; where a Glass of Canary being call’d for, one of ’em drank to me, and I drank to the other.  After which one of ’em came pretty close up to me, and would needs have been feeling where I was’nt willing to let him, whereupon I told him he was very uncivil to invite one that was a Stranger to a Tavern; and then to offer any such thing to her.  Let her alone says the other, I believe she’s but new come out of the Countrey, and does not understand the way of the Town:  Pray, Sweet-heart, says he, addressing himself to me, How long have you been in Town?  Ever since last Fryday, said I:  But pray, why do ye ask?  To be plain with ye, says he, This young Man and my self have a Request to you, which if you grant, may be for your Advantage as long as you live:  Pray, Sir, said I what’s that?  Why, says he, we are both Apprentices in one House, at a Linnen drapers in Cornhill? (but ’tis no Matter for that, for you don’t know Places yet) and we have a mind to keep a young Woman between us; and we wou’d willingly have a Countrey-Maid, that is’nt much acquainted with the Town; and if you please, you shall be she.  I presently smoaked their design, but behav’d my self as ignorantly as I cou’d on purpose, because I found there was something to be got by ’em.  So I reply’d, Withal my heart, Sir, if we can agree, for I want a good Service.  Well, says the other Spark that wou’d have been so forward with me, We shan’t disagree, I dare say.  What Wages do you ask?  Why Sir, says I, I have liv’d in good Gentlemens Houses in Lancashire; and I think I deserve Four pounds a Year.  Well, well, says the other we shall give you Four times Four pounds a year and more:  But then you must