"Such fellows never do anything in the world," he would say, and forsuch he had accordingly the most profound contempt. But when, afterJohn Perkins's repeated entreaties, he had been induced to make theacquaintance of Miss Gorgon, he became instantly charmed with her,and warmly espoused her cause against her overbearing relations.

At his suggestion she wrote back to decline Sir Pemberton Gorgon'speremptory invitation, and hinted at the same time that she hadattained an age and a position which enabled her to be the mistressof her own actions. To this letter there came an answer from LadyGorgon which we shall not copy, but which simply stated that MissLucy Gorgon's conduct was unchristian, ungrateful, unladylike, andimmodest; that the Gorgon family disowned her for the future, andleft her at liberty to form whatever base connections she pleased.