excellence, which will rise above every unfavourable circumstance in any
class, in any condition of life in which it may exist, which will throw off
any stigma, however disgraceful, counteract all prepossessions, however
potent, rise against all power of depression--redeem a family--redeem a
race."

"Now, father, you speak like yourself!" cried Godfrey: "this is all I
ask--all I wish."

"And here," continued Mr. Percy, "is an adequate motive for a good and
great mind--yes, _great_--for I believe there are great minds in the female
as well as in the male part of the creation; I say, here is an adequate
motive to excite a woman of a good and great mind to exert herself to
struggle against the misfortunes of her birth."

"For instance," said Rosamond, "my sister Caroline is just the kind of
woman, who, if she had been one of these unfortunate daughters, would have
made herself an exception."

"Very likely," said Mr. Percy, laughing; "but why you should go so far
out of your way to make an unfortunate daughter of poor Caroline, and why
you should picture to yourself, as Dr. Johnson would say, what would be
probable in an impossible situation, I cannot conceive, except for the
pleasure of exercising, as you do upon most occasions, a fine romantic
imagination."

"At all events _I_ am perfectly satisfied," said Godfrey. "Since you admit
of exceptions, sir, I agree with you entirely."

"No, not entirely. I am sure you cannot agree with me entirely, until I