They gathered round
me, view'd me on all sides; and as my admission into this
joyous troop made a little holiday, the shew of work was
laid aside; and Mrs. Cole giving me up, with special recom-
mendation, to their caresses and entertainment, went about
her ordinary business of the house.
The sameness of our sex, age, profession, and views
soon created as unreserv'd a freedom and intimacy as if we
had been for years acquainted. They took and shew'd me the
house, their respective apartments, which were furnished
with every article of conveniency and luxury; and above all,
a spacious drawing-room, where a select revelling band usu-
ally met, in general parties of pleasure; the girls supping
with their sparks, and acting their wanton pranks with un-
bounded licentiousness; whilst a defiance of awe, modesty or
jealousy were their standing rules, by which, according to
the principles of their society, whatever pleasure was lost
on the side of sentiment was abundantly made up to the
senses in the poignancy of variety, and the charms of ease
and luxury. The authors and supporters of this secret in-
stitution would, in the height of their humours style them-
selves the restorers of the golden age and its simplicity
of pleasures, before their innocence became so injustly
branded with the names of guilt and shame.
As soon then as the evening began, and the shew of a
shop was shut, the academy open'd; the mask of mock-modesty
was completely taken off, and all the girls deliver'd over
to their respective calls of pleasure or interest with
their men; and none of that sex was promiscuously admitted,
but only such as Mrs.
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