'
"I felt my heart swell at her words; I would have been angry if I
could, but I was in that stupid state which is not easily awakened
to anger: when I would have chid her the reproof stuck in my
throat; I could only weep!
"Her want of respect increased, as I had not spirit to assert it.
My work was now rather imposed than offered, and I became a drudge
for the bread I eat: but my dependence and servility grew in
proportion, and I was now in a situation which could not make any
extraordinary exertions to disengage itself from either--I found
myself with child.
"At last the wretch, who had thus trained me to destruction, hinted
the purpose for which those means had been used. I discovered her
to be an artful procuress for the pleasures of those who are men of
decency to the world in the midst of debauchery.
"I roused every spark of courage within me at the horrid proposal.
She treated my passion at first somewhat mildly, but when I
continued to exert it she resented it with insult, and told me
plainly that if I did not soon comply with her desires I should pay
her every farthing I owed, or rot in a jail for life. I trembled at
the thought; still, however, I resisted her importunities, and she
put her threats in execution.
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