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The Adventures of David Simple

I will leave them to their repose, and keep the next day's adventure for a subsequent chapter.


CHAPTER VII

which introduces a lady of cynthia's acquaintance to the company

Cynthia, who had been accustomed for many years to be startled from her sleep at every morning's dawn with all the uneasy reflections of the several insults and indignities, ill-nature, and a love of tyranny had barbarously made her suffer the day before, was at present in so different a situation, that the returning light, which used to be her greatest enemy, now, as her best friend, brought back to her remembrance all those pleasing ideas her present companions continually inspired her with. Therefore, instead of endeavouring to compose herself again to slumber (the usual method of the unfortunate, in order to lose the sense of their sorrows), the cheerfulness of her mind induced her to leave her bed, and indulge herself with all those various flights of fancy, which are generally the reward of temperance and innocence. She stole softly into Camilla's room, that if she was awake she might increase her own pleasures by sharing them with her friend; but finding her fast asleep, was again returning to her own chamber, when by a servant's opening the door of an apartment by which she was obliged to pass, she had a transient view of a young lady, with whom she fancied she was very well acquainted, but could not recollect where or by what means she had seen her. This raised so great a curiosity in Cynthia to know who she was, that she could not forbear immediately inquiring of the maid of the house, who lodged in that apartment. The maid replied. Truly, she did not