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The Mistress's Answer

DEAR JACK: I received your very kind letter, but I do not know what to say in answer. Although I would be glad to marry, yet you men are so deceiving, that there is no such thing as trusting you. There is Tom. Timber the carpenter, and Jack Hammer the smith, who have not been married above six months, and every night come home drunk and beat their wives. What a miserable life is that, Jack, and how do I know but you may be as bad to me? How do I know but you, like them, may get drunk every night, and beat me black and blue before morning! I do assure you, Jack, if I thought that would be the case, I would scrub floors and scour saucepans as long as I live. But possibly you may not be so bad; for there is Will. Cooper the brasier, and Oliver Smith the painter, who are both very happy with their wives; they are both homebringing husbands, and have every day a hot joint of meat. I know not yet what I shall do, but as I like to walk to Vauxhall, I will meet you at the Battery on Wednesday after dinner, and then we will talk more of the matter.

I am, dear Jack, your most humble servant.