This serviceable matron having neglected to gratify a certain justice for the connivance she enjoyed, was indicted at the quarter sessions, in consequence of which her bevy was dispersed, and herself committed to Bridewell.

She had not been long there before she learned my disaster, and coming up to me, after a compliment of condolence, inquired into the particulars of my fate.

While we were engaged in discourse together, the master came and told me, that the fellow on whose account I had suffered was taken, that he had confessed the theft, and cleared me of any concern in the affair; for which reason he, the master, had orders to discharge me, and that I was from that moment free.
'This piece of news soon banished all thoughts of death, and had such an instantaneous effect on my countenance, that Mrs.Coupler (the lady then present), hoping to find her account in me, very generously offered to furnish me with what necessaries I wanted, and take me into her own house as soon as she could compromise matters with the justices.

The conditions of her offer were, that I should pay three guineas weekly for my board, and a reasonable consideration besides, for the use of such clothes and ornaments as she should supply me with, to be deducted from the first profits of my occupation.

These were hard terms, but not to be rejected by one who was turned out helpless and naked into the wide world, without a friend to pity or assist her.