hand and fortune of his niece. The fact is, that Sir George had
such a transcendent notion of his own dignity and station, that it
never for a moment entered his head that his niece, or anybody else
connected with him, should take a single step in life without
previously receiving his orders; and Mr. Fitch, a baronet's son,
having expressed an admiration of Lucy, Sir George had determined
that his suit should be accepted, and really considered Lucy's
preference of another as downright treason.

John Perkins determined on the death of Fitch as the very least
reparation that should satisfy him; and vowed too that some of the
General's blood should be shed for the words which he had dared to
utter.

We have said that William Pitt Scully, Esquire, M.P., occupied the
first floor of Mr. Perkins's house in Bedford Row: and the reader
is further to be informed that an immense friendship had sprung up
between these two gentlemen. The fact is, that poor John was very
much flattered by Scully's notice, and began in a very short time to
fancy himself a political personage; for he had made several of
Scully's speeches, written more than one letter from him to his
constituents, and, in a word, acted as his gratis clerk. At least a
guinea a week did Mr. Perkins save to the pockets of Mr. Scully, and
with hearty good will too, for he adored the great William Pitt, and
believed every word that dropped from the pompous lips of that
gentleman.

Well, after having discussed Sir George Gorgon's letter, poor
Perkins, in the utmost fury of mind that his darling should be
slandered so, feeling a desire for fresh air, determined to descend