The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman

Mrs. Bridget had pawn'd all the little stock of honour a poor chambermaid was worth in the world, that she would get to the bottom of the affair in ten days; and it was built upon one of the most concessible postulata in nature: namely, that whilst my uncle Toby was making love to her mistress, the corporal could find nothing better to do, than make love to her -- -- "And I'll let him as much as he will, said Bridget, to get it out of him."

Friendship has two garments; an outer and an under one. Bridget was serving her mistress's interests in the one -- and doing the thing which most pleased herself in the other; so had as many stakes depending upon my uncle Toby's wound, as the Devil himself -- -- -Mrs. Wadman had but one -- and as it possibly might be her last (without discouraging Mrs. Bridget, or discrediting her talents) was determined to play her cards herself.