Horatio’s Betrayal
Horatio, disgusted at her insensibility or from some other cause, became colder and colder until he abandoned her altogether, making no apology and leaving her without protection against want. She later learned that the quarrel between Lothario and Horatio had been trumped up to rid Lothario of her importunities and give Horatio access to her, which he had desired upon seeing her at Lothario’s house.
Descent into Vice
Cursing her simplicity and uttering horrors against Horatio’s treachery, she resolved to be revenged on the sex in general by practicing their own arts upon themselves. An old gentlewoman visited under pretence of sympathy, displayed the art of her occupation by praising her beauty and condemning the wretch who had forsaken her, suggesting she could still make her fortune by her extraordinary qualifications. Understanding her drift, the narrator gave encouragement, and they agreed to divide profits from gallants the woman would introduce. Her first conquest was a certain judge, recommended as an innocent creature just arrived from the country.
第二十三章
This chapter covers the wrongful arrest of Miss Williams by bailiffs, her transfer to the Marshalsea prison, a resolved case of mistaken identity, financial compensation for the false detention, the pair’s move to new lodgings, and Miss Williams’ full recounting of her life after separating from her former directress: including sex work arranged with tavern porters, a violent client’s deception and theft, her wrongful imprisonment in Bridewell, a suicide attempt and resulting madness, a hunger strike, a chance encounter with a former acquaintance, her release from prison, life working in a coffee house, slander from her landlady, a second arrest for debt, and rescue by a generous sea lieutenant.
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.