( 77)
I had not been long equipped, when me lady's bell rang; upon which I ran up stairs, and found her stalking about the room in her shirt and under-pettitcoat. I would have retired as became me, but she bid me come in and air a clean shift for her; which having done with some backwardness, she put it on before me with no ceremony, and I verily believe was ignorant of my sex all the time, being quite absorbed in contemplation.
At four I was ordered to lay the cloth, and place two covers, then my mistress approached accompanied by a young lady, whose name at present shall be Narcissa. Her age seemed to be seventeen and every (illegible text) engaging; when she spoke I listened with pleasure, but when she spoke to me, my sould was thrilled with an ecstacy of ⟨tumultuous⟩ joy. I was even so happy as to be the subject of the conversation; for Narcissa, having observed (illegible text), said to her aunt, I see your new footman (illegible text) come. Then addressing herself (illegible text) me, asked (illegible text) ⟨ineffable⟩ (illegible text), if I (illegible text) the person who had been (illegible text) (illegible text) used by (illegible text)? When (illegible text) had satisfied her in (illegible text) she expressed a (illegible text) of knowing (illegible text) ⟨particulars⟩ of my (illegible text), (illegible text) before and since my being shipwrecked. Hereupon as
