There was Mrs. Newbright, who took her up for some time, attracted by the sweetness of her singing at church and by her proper views upon serious subjects, concerning which in former days, at Queen's Crawley, Mrs. Becky had had a good deal of instruction.

There was Mrs. Newbright, who took her up for some time, attracted by the sweetness of her singing at church and by her proper views upon serious subjects.


Well, she not only took tracts, but she read them.


She worked flannel petticoats for the Quashyboos--cotton night-caps for the Cocoanut Indians--painted handscreens for the conversion of the Pope and the Jews--sat under Mr. Rowls on Wednesdays, Mr. Huggleton on Thursdays, attended two Sunday services at church, besides Mr. Bawler, the Darbyite, in the evening, and all in vain.

She worked flannel petticoats for the Quashyboos - night-caps for the Cocoanut Indians - painted handscreens for the conversion of the Pope and the Jews - attended two Sunday services at church, and all in vain.


Mrs. Newbright had occasion to correspond with the Countess of Southdown about the Warmingpan Fund for the Fiji Islanders (for the management of which admirable charity both these ladies formed part of a female committee), and having mentioned her "sweet friend," Mrs. Rawdon Crawley, the Dowager Countess wrote back such a letter regarding Becky, with such particulars, hints, facts, falsehoods, and general comminations, that intimacy between Mrs. Newbright and Mrs. Crawley ceased forthwith, and all the serious world of Tours, where this misfortune took place, immediately parted company with the reprobate.

Mrs. Newbright happened to write to the Countess of Southdown about a Fund for the Fiji Islanders, and mentioned her "sweet friend" Mrs. Rawdon Crawley. The Countess wrote back a letter so full of hints, facts, falsehoods, and condemnations, that Mrs. Newbright's friendship with Becky ceased forthwith.


Those who know the English Colonies abroad know that we carry with us us our pride, pills, prejudices, Harvey-sauces, cayenne-peppers, and other Lares, making a little Britain wherever we settle down.


From one colony to another Becky fled uneasily.


From Boulogne to Dieppe, from Dieppe to Caen, from Caen to Tours--trying with all her might to be respectable, and alas!

From Boulogne to Dieppe, from Dieppe to Caen, from Caen to Tours - trying with all her might to be respectable, and alas!


always found out some day or other and pecked out of the cage by the real daws.

always found out and pecked out of the cage.


Mrs. Hook Eagles took her up at one of these places--a woman without a blemish in her character and a house in Portman Square.

Mrs. Hook Eagles took her up at one of these places - a woman without a blemish in her character, and a house in Portman Square.


She was staying at the hotel at Dieppe, whither Becky fled, and they made each other's acquaintance first at sea, where they were swimming together, and subsequently at the table d'hote of the hotel.

She was staying at the hotel at Dieppe where Becky fled, and they made each other's acquaintance first when they were swimming together, and then at the hotel table.


Mrs Eagles had heard--who indeed had not?--some of the scandal of the Steyne affair; but after a conversation with Becky, she pronounced that Mrs. Crawley was an angel, her husband a ruffian, Lord Steyne an unprincipled wretch, as everybody knew, and the whole case against Mrs. Crawley an infamous and wicked conspiracy of that rascal Wenham.

Mrs Eagles had heard some of the scandal of the Steyne affair; but after a conversation with Becky, she announced that Mrs. Crawley was an angel, her husband a ruffian, Lord Steyne an unprincipled wretch, as everybody knew, and the whole case against Mrs. Crawley a wicked conspiracy of that rascal Wenham.


"If you were a man of any spirit, Mr. Eagles, you would box the wretch's ears the next time you see him at the Club," she said to her husband.


But Eagles was only a quiet old gentleman, husband to Mrs. Eagles, with a taste for geology, and not tall enough to reach anybody's ears.


The Eagles then patronized Mrs. Rawdon, took her to live with her at her own house at Paris, quarrelled with the ambassador's wife because she would not receive her protegee, and did all that lay in woman's power to keep Becky straight in the paths of virtue and good repute.

Mrs. Eagles then patronized Mrs. Rawdon, took her to live with her at her own house at Paris, and did all she could to keep Becky in the paths of virtue and good repute.


Becky was very respectable and orderly at first, but the life of humdrum virtue grew utterly tedious to her before long.


It was the same routine every day, the same dulness and comfort, the same drive over the same stupid Bois de Boulogne, the same company of an evening, the same Blair's Sermon of a Sunday night--the same opera always being acted over and over again; Becky was dying of weariness, when, luckily for her, young Mr. Eagles came from Cambridge, and his mother, seeing the impression which her little friend made upon him, straightway gave Becky warning.

It was the same routine every day, the same drive over the same stupid Bois de Boulogne, the same company of an evening, the same sermon of a Sunday night. Becky was dying of weariness when young Mr. Eagles came from Cambridge, and his mother, seeing the impression which her little friend made upon him, straightway gave Becky warning.


Then she tried keeping house with a female friend; then the double menage began to quarrel and get into debt.

Then she tried keeping house with a female friend, until they began to quarrel and get into debt.


Then she determined upon a boarding-house existence and lived for some time at that famous mansion kept by Madame de Saint Amour, in the Rue Royale, at Paris, where she began exercising her graces and fascinations upon the shabby dandies and fly-blown beauties who frequented her landlady's salons.

Then she lived for some time at that famous boarding-house kept by Madame de Saint Amour, in the Rue Royale at Paris, where she began using her fascinations upon the shabby dandies and fly-blown beauties who frequented her landlady's salons.


Becky loved society and, indeed, could no more exist without it than an opium-eater without his dram, and she was happy enough at the period of her boarding-house life.

Becky loved society and indeed, could no more exist without it than an opium-eater without his dram; and she was happy enough at this time of her life.


"The women here are as amusing as those in May Fair," she told an old London friend who met her, "only, their dresses are not quite so fresh.

"The women here are as amusing as those in May Fair," she told an old London friend, "only their dresses are not quite so fresh.


The men wear cleaned gloves, and are sad rogues, certainly, but they are not worse than Jack This and Tom That.

The men are sad rogues, certainly, but no worse than many.


The mistress of the house is a little vulgar, but I don't think she is so vulgar as Lady ------" and here she named the name of a great leader of fashion that I would die rather than reveal.

The mistress of the house is a little vulgar, but I don't think she is so vulgar as Lady ____" and here she named a great leader of fashion.


In fact, when you saw Madame de Saint Amour's rooms lighted up of a night, men with plaques and cordons at the ecarte tables, and the women at a little distance, you might fancy yourself for a while in good society, and that Madame was a real Countess.

In fact, when you saw Madame de Saint Amour's rooms lit up at night, and the women at a little distance, you might fancy yourself in good society, and that Madame was a real Countess.


Many people did so fancy, and Becky was for a while one of the most dashing ladies of the Countess's salons.

Many people did so fancy, and Becky was for a while one of the most dashing ladies of her salons.


But it is probable that her old creditors of 1815 found her out and caused her to leave Paris, for the poor little woman was forced to fly from the city rather suddenly, and went thence to Brussels.

But her old creditors of 1815 found her out and caused her to leave Paris. The poor little woman was forced to fly rather suddenly, and went to Brussels.


She grinned as she looked up at the little entresol which she had occupied, and thought of the Bareacres family, bawling for horses and flight, as their carriage stood in the porte-cochere of the hotel.

She grinned as she looked up at the little home she had occupied, and thought of the Bareacres family, bawling for horses, as their carriage stood before the hotel.


She went to Waterloo and to Laeken, where George Osborne's monument much struck her.

She visited Waterloo and Laeken, where George Osborne's monument much struck her.


she said; "how dreadfully he was in love with me, and what a fool he was!


It was a good little creature; and that fat brother of hers.


I have his funny fat picture still among my papers.


At Brussels Becky arrived, recommended by Madame de Saint Amour to her friend, Madame la Comtesse de Borodino, widow of Napoleon's General, the famous Count de Borodino, who was left with no resource by the deceased hero but that of a table d'hote and an ecarte table.

At Brussels Becky was recommended by Madame de Saint Amour to her friend, Madame la Comtesse de Borodino, widow of Napoleon's General, the famous Count de Borodino, who after the war was left with nothing but a hotel and cart tables.


Second-rate dandies and roues, widow-ladies who always have a lawsuit, and very simple English folks, who fancy they see "Continental society" at these houses, put down their money, or ate their meals, at Madame de Borodino's tables.

Second-rate dandies and rous, widow-ladies with a lawsuit, and very simple English folks put down their money at Madame de Borodino's tables.


The gallant young fellows treated the company round to champagne at the table d'hote, rode out with the women, or hired horses on country excursions, clubbed money to take boxes at the play or the opera, betted over the fair shoulders of the ladies at the ecarte tables, and wrote home to their parents in Devonshire about their felicitous introduction to foreign society.

The gallant young fellows treated the company to champagne, rode out with the women, or hired horses on country excursions. They clubbed together to take boxes at the play or the opera, betted over the fair shoulders of the ladies at the tables, and wrote home to their parents in Devonshire about their happy introduction to foreign society.


Here, as at Paris, Becky was a boarding-house queen, and ruled in select pensions.

Here, as at Paris, Becky was a boarding-house queen.


She never refused the champagne, or the bouquets, or the drives into the country, or the private boxes; but what she preferred was the ecarte at night,--and she played audaciously.

She never refused the champagne, or the bouquets, or the drives into the country, or the private boxes; but what she preferred was the cart at night - and she played audaciously.


First she played only for a little, then for five-franc pieces, then for Napoleons, then for notes: then she would not be able to pay her month's pension: then she borrowed from the young gentlemen: then she got into cash again and bullied Madame de Borodino, whom she had coaxed and wheedled before: then she was playing for ten sous at a time, and in a dire state of poverty: then her quarter's allowance would come in, and she would pay off Madame de Borodino's score and would once more take the cards against Monsieur de Rossignol, or the Chevalier de Raff.

First she played only for a little, then for five-franc pieces, then for Napoleons, then for notes: then she would not be able to pay for her month's board, and borrowed from the young gentlemen: then she got cash again and bullied Madame de Borodino, whom she had wheedled before: then she was playing for ten sous at a time, and in a dire state of poverty: then her quarter's allowance would come in, and she would pay Madame de Borodino's bill and once more take the cards against the Chevalier de Raff.


When Becky left Brussels, the sad truth is that she owed three months' pension to Madame de Borodino, of which fact, and of the gambling, and of the drinking, and of the going down on her knees to the Reverend Mr. Muff, Ministre Anglican, and borrowing money of him, and of her coaxing and flirting with Milor Noodle, son of Sir Noodle, pupil of the Rev. Mr. Muff, whom she used to take into her private room, and of whom she won large sums at ecarte--of which fact, I say, and of a hundred of her other knaveries, the Countess de Borodino informs every English person who stops at her establishment, and announces that Madame Rawdon was no better than a vipere.

When Becky left Brussels, she owed three months' pension to Madame de Borodino - and this, and the gambling, and the drinking, and the begging of money from the Reverend Mr. Muff, and the flirting with young Milor Noodle, whom she used to take into her private room, and from whom she won large sums at cart - of these and a hundred other knaveries, the Countess de Borodino informed every English person who stayed at her house.


So our little wanderer went about setting up her tent in various cities of Europe, as restless as Ulysses or Bampfylde Moore Carew.

So our little wanderer went about setting up her tent in various cities of Europe, as restless as Ulysses.


Her taste for disrespectability grew more and more remarkable.


She became a perfect Bohemian ere long, herding with people whom it would make your hair stand on end to meet.

She soon became a perfect Bohemian, herding with people whom it would make your hair stand on end to meet.


There is no town of any mark in Europe but it has its little colony of English raffs--men whose names Mr. Hemp the officer reads out periodically at the Sheriffs' Court--young gentlemen of very good family often, only that the latter disowns them; frequenters of billiard-rooms and estaminets, patrons of foreign races and gaming-tables.

Every town of note in Europe has its little colony of raffish young Englishmen - often of very good family, only disowned by them; frequenters of billiard-rooms and gaming-tables.


They people the debtors' prisons--they drink and swagger--they fight and brawl--they run away without paying--they have duels with French and German officers--they cheat Mr. Spooney at ecarte--they get the money and drive off to Baden in magnificent britzkas--they try their infallible martingale and lurk about the tables with empty pockets, shabby bullies, penniless bucks, until they can swindle a Jew banker with a sham bill of exchange, or find another Mr. Spooney to rob.

They drink and swagger - they fight and brawl - they run away without paying - they get the money and drive off to Baden - they lurk about the tables with empty pockets, until they can swindle a Jew banker with a sham bill of exchange.


The alternations of splendour and misery which these people undergo are very queer to view.


Their life must be one of great excitement.

Their life must be one of great excitement, alternating between splendour and misery.


Becky--must it be owned?--took to this life, and took to it not unkindly.


She went about from town to town among these Bohemians.


The lucky Mrs. Rawdon was known at every play-table in Germany.

She was known at every play-table in Germany.


She and Madame de Cruchecassee kept house at Florence together.


It is said she was ordered out of Munich, and my friend Mr. Frederick Pigeon avers that it was at her house at Lausanne that he was hocussed at supper and lost eight hundred pounds to Major Loder and the Honourable Mr. Deuceace.


We are bound, you see, to give some account of Becky's biography, but of this part, the less, perhaps, that is said the better.

but of this part of her story, the less, perhaps, that is said the better.


They say that, when Mrs. Crawley was particularly down on her luck, she gave concerts and lessons in music here and there.

When Mrs. Crawley was particularly down on her luck, she gave concerts and lessons in music here and there.


There was a Madame de Raudon, who certainly had a matinee musicale at Wildbad, accompanied by Herr Spoff, premier pianist to the Hospodar of Wallachia, and my little friend Mr. Eaves, who knew everybody and had travelled everywhere, always used to declare that he was at Strasburg in the year 1830, when a certain Madame Rebecque made her appearance in the opera of the Dame Blanche, giving occasion to a furious row in the theatre there.

There was a Madame de Raudon, who had a matinee musicale at Wildbad, and at Strasburg in 1830, a certain Madame Rebecque made her appearance in the opera of the Dame Blanche, causing a furious row in the theatre there.


She was hissed off the stage by the audience, partly from her own incompetency, but chiefly from the ill-advised sympathy of some persons in the parquet, (where the officers of the garrison had their admissions); and Eaves was certain that the unfortunate debutante in question was no other than Mrs. Rawdon Crawley.

She was hissed off the stage by the audience, partly from her own incompetency, but chiefly from the ill-advised sympathy of some officers who were present.


She was, in fact, no better than a vagabond upon this earth.

She was, in fact, no better than a vagabond.


When she got her money she gambled; when she had gambled it she was put to shifts to live; who knows how or by what means she succeeded?

When she got money she gambled; when she had gambled it away she had trouble to live; who knows how she succeeded?


It is said that she was once seen at St. Petersburg, but was summarily dismissed from that capital by the police, so that there cannot be any possibility of truth in the report that she was a Russian spy at Toplitz and Vienna afterwards.

It is said that she was once seen at St. Petersburg, but was dismissed from there by the police, so there cannot be any truth in the report that she was a Russian spy at Vienna afterwards.


I have even been informed that at Paris she discovered a relation of her own, no less a person than her maternal grandmother, who was not by any means a Montmorenci, but a hideous old box-opener at a theatre on the Boulevards.


The meeting between them, of which other persons, as it is hinted elsewhere, seem to have been acquainted, must have been a very affecting interview.


The present historian can give no certain details regarding the event.


It happened at Rome once that Mrs. de Rawdon's half-year's salary had just been paid into the principal banker's there, and, as everybody who had a balance of above five hundred scudi was invited to the balls which this prince of merchants gave during the winter, Becky had the honour of a card, and appeared at one of the Prince and Princess Polonia's splendid evening entertainments.

At Rome once, when Mrs. de Rawdon's half-year's salary had just been paid into the banker's, and, as everybody who had a balance of above five hundred scudi was invited to the banker's balls, Becky had the honour of a card, and appeared at one of the Prince and Princess Polonia's splendid evening entertainments.


The Princess was of the family of Pompili, lineally descended from the second king of Rome, and Egeria of the house of Olympus, while the Prince's grandfather, Alessandro Polonia, sold wash-balls, essences, tobacco, and pocket-handkerchiefs, ran errands for gentlemen, and lent money in a small way.

The Princess was descended from the second king of Rome, while the Prince's grandfather, Alessandro Polonia, sold tobacco and pocket-handkerchiefs, and lent money in a small way.


All the great company in Rome thronged to his saloons--Princes, Dukes, Ambassadors, artists, fiddlers, monsignori, young bears with their leaders--every rank and condition of man.

All the great company in Rome thronged to his saloons - Princes, Dukes, Ambassadors, artists, fiddlers.


His halls blazed with light and magnificence; were resplendent with gilt frames (containing pictures), and dubious antiques; and the enormous gilt crown and arms of the princely owner, a gold mushroom on a crimson field (the colour of the pocket-handkerchiefs which he sold), and the silver fountain of the Pompili family shone all over the roof, doors, and panels of the house, and over the grand velvet baldaquins prepared to receive Popes and Emperors.

His halls blazed with light and magnificence, resplendent with gilt frames and dubious antiques.


So Becky, who had arrived in the diligence from Florence, and was lodged at an inn in a very modest way, got a card for Prince Polonia's entertainment, and her maid dressed her with unusual care, and she went to this fine ball leaning on the arm of Major Loder, with whom she happened to be travelling at the time--(the same man who shot Prince Ravoli at Naples the next year, and was caned by Sir John Buckskin for carrying four kings in his hat besides those which he used in playing at ecarte )--and this pair went into the rooms together, and Becky saw a number of old faces which she remembered in happier days, when she was not innocent, but not found out.

So Becky, who was lodged at an inn in a very modest way, dressed with unusual care, and went to this fine ball leaning on the arm of Major Loder, with whom she happened to be travelling at the time (the same man who was caned by Sir John Buckskin for carrying four kings in his hat while playing at cart.) This pair went into the rooms together, and Becky saw a number of old faces which she remembered from happier days.


Major Loder knew a great number of foreigners, keen-looking whiskered men with dirty striped ribbons in their buttonholes, and a very small display of linen; but his own countrymen, it might be remarked, eschewed the Major.

Major Loder knew a great number of keen-looking whiskered men with dirty striped ribbons in their buttonholes; but his own countrymen avoided him.


Becky, too, knew some ladies here and there--French widows, dubious Italian countesses, whose husbands had treated them ill--faugh--what shall we say, we who have moved among some of the finest company of Vanity Fair, of this refuse and sediment of rascals?


If we play, let it be with clean cards, and not with this dirty pack.


But every man who has formed one of the innumerable army of travellers has seen these marauding irregulars hanging on, like Nym and Pistol, to the main force, wearing the king's colours and boasting of his commission, but pillaging for themselves, and occasionally gibbeted by the roadside.


Well, she was hanging on the arm of Major Loder, and they went through the rooms together, and drank a great quantity of champagne at the buffet, where the people, and especially the Major's irregular corps, struggled furiously for refreshments, of which when the pair had had enough, they pushed on until they reached the Duchess's own pink velvet saloon, at the end of the suite of apartments (where the statue of the Venus is, and the great Venice looking-glasses, framed in silver), and where the princely family were entertaining their most distinguished guests at a round table at supper.

Well, the pair drank a great quantity of champagne at the buffet, and then pushed on until they reached the Duchess's pink velvet saloon, at the end of the suite of apartments where the princely family were entertaining their most distinguished guests at supper.


It was just such a little select banquet as that of which Becky recollected that she had partaken at Lord Steyne's--and there he sat at Polonia's table, and she saw him.

And there at Poloni's table sat Lord Steyne.


The scar cut by the diamond on his white, bald, shining forehead made a burning red mark; his red whiskers were dyed of a purple hue, which made his pale face look still paler.

The scar cut by the diamond on his white forehead made a burning red mark; his whiskers were dyed a purple hue, which made his pale face look still paler.


He wore his collar and orders, his blue ribbon and garter.


He was a greater Prince than any there, though there was a reigning Duke and a Royal Highness, with their princesses, and near his Lordship was seated the beautiful Countess of Belladonna, nee de Glandier, whose husband (the Count Paolo della Belladonna), so well known for his brilliant entomological collections, had been long absent on a mission to the Emperor of Morocco.

He was a greater Prince than any there, and near him was seated the beautiful Countess of Belladonna, whose husband, so well known for his brilliant collections of insects, had been long absent on a mission to the Emperor of Morocco.


When Becky beheld that familiar and illustrious face, how vulgar all of a sudden did Major Loder appear to her, and how that odious Captain Rook did smell of tobacco!

When Becky saw that familiar and illustrious face, how vulgar did Major Loder appear!


In one instant she reassumed her fine-ladyship and tried to look and feel as if she were in May Fair once more.

She tried to look and feel as if she were in May Fair once more.


"That woman looks stupid and ill-humoured," she thought; "I am sure she can't amuse him.


No, he must be bored by her--he never was by me."

He must be bored by her - he never was by me."


A hundred such touching hopes, fears, and memories palpitated in her little heart, as she looked with her brightest eyes (the rouge which she wore up to her eyelids made them twinkle) towards the great nobleman.

A hundred touching hopes, fears, and memories palpitated in her little heart, as she gazed with her brightest eyes at the great nobleman.


Of a Star and Garter night Lord Steyne used also to put on his grandest manner and to look and speak like a great prince, as he was.


Becky admired him smiling sumptuously, easy, lofty, and stately.


Ah, bon Dieu, what a pleasant companion he was, what a brilliant wit, what a rich fund of talk, what a grand manner!--and she had exchanged this for Major Loder, reeking of cigars and brandy-and-water, and Captain Rook with his horsejockey jokes and prize-ring slang, and their like.

Ah, what a pleasant companion he was, what a brilliant wit; what a rich fund of talk, what a grand manner! - and she had exchanged this for Major Loder, reeking of cigars and brandy.


"I wonder whether he will know me," she thought.


Lord Steyne was talking and laughing with a great and illustrious lady at his side, when he looked up and saw Becky.

Lord Steyne was talking and laughing, when he looked up and saw Becky.


She was all over in a flutter as their eyes met, and she put on the very best smile she could muster, and dropped him a little, timid, imploring curtsey.

She was all in a flutter as their eyes met, and she put on the best smile she could muster, and dropped him a little, timid curtsey.


He stared aghast at her for a minute, as Macbeth might on beholding Banquo's sudden appearance at his ball-supper, and remained looking at her with open mouth, when that horrid Major Loder pulled her away.

He stared aghast at her for a minute, as Macbeth might on beholding Banquo's ghost, and was looking at her with open mouth, when that horrid Major Loder pulled her away.


"Come away into the supper-room, Mrs. R.," was that gentleman's remark: "seeing these nobs grubbing away has made me peckish too.

"Come into the supper-room," he said: "seeing these nobs grubbing away has made me peckish.


Let's go and try the old governor's champagne."


Becky thought the Major had had a great deal too much already.


The day after she went to walk on the Pincian Hill--the Hyde Park of the Roman idlers--possibly in hopes to have another sight of Lord Steyne.

The next day she went to walk on the Pincian Hill - the Hyde Park of Roman idlers - hoping to have another sight of Lord Steyne.


But she met another acquaintance there: it was Mr. Fiche, his lordship's confidential man, who came up nodding to her rather familiarly and putting a finger to his hat.

But it was Mr. Fiche, his lordship's confidential man, who came up to her, nodding rather familiarly.


"I knew that Madame was here," he said; "I followed her from her hotel.

"I followed Madame from her hotel," he said.


Becky asked, resuming as much of her dignity as she could muster, and not a little agitated by hope and expectation.

Becky asked, with as much dignity as she could muster, agitated by hope and expectation.


"Not at this season, Monsieur Fiche--not till after Easter."

"Not at this season, Monsieur - not till after Easter."


There is always malaria for some people.


That cursed marsh wind kills many at all seasons.


Look, Madame Crawley, you were always bon enfant, and I have an interest in you, parole d'honneur.

Look, Madame Crawley, I have an interest in you.


Go away from Rome, I tell you--or you will be ill and die."

Go away from Rome, I tell you - or you will be ill and die."


Does my lord carry bravos for couriers, and stilettos in the fourgons?


I have those who will defend me whilst I am here."


It was Monsieur Fiche's turn to laugh now.


The Major, the Captain, any one of those gambling men whom Madame sees would take her life for a hundred louis.

Any one of those gambling men would take your life for a hundred louis.


We know things about Major Loder (he is no more a Major than I am my Lord the Marquis) which would send him to the galleys or worse.

We know things about Major Loder (and he is no more a Major than I am a Marquis) which would send him to the galleys or worse.


We know everything and have friends everywhere.


We know whom you saw at Paris, and what relations you found there.


How was it that no minister on the Continent would receive Madame?


She has offended somebody: who never forgives--whose rage redoubled when he saw you.

Madame has offended somebody who never forgives - whose rage redoubled when he saw you.


He was like a madman last night when he came home.


Madame de Belladonna made him a scene about you and fired off in one of her furies."


"Oh, it was Madame de Belladonna, was it?"


Becky said, relieved a little, for the information she had just got had scared her.


"No--she does not matter--she is always jealous.


And if you stay here you will repent it.


Here is my lord's carriage"--and seizing Becky's arm, he rushed down an alley of the garden as Lord Steyne's barouche, blazing with heraldic devices, came whirling along the avenue, borne by the almost priceless horses, and bearing Madame de Belladonna lolling on the cushions, dark, sulky, and blooming, a King Charles in her lap, a white parasol swaying over her head, and old Steyne stretched at her side with a livid face and ghastly eyes.

Here is my lord's carriage."
Seizing Becky's arm, he rushed her down an alley as Lord Steyne's barouche came whirling along the avenue, drawn by priceless horses, and bearing Madame de Belladonna lolling on the cushions, dark, sulky, and blooming, with old Steyne stretched at her side with a livid face. His ghastly eyes


Hate, or anger, or desire caused them to brighten now and then still, but ordinarily, they gave no light, and seemed tired of looking out on a world of which almost all the pleasure and all the best beauty had palled upon the worn-out wicked old man.

seemed tired of looking out on a world of which almost all the pleasure and beauty had palled.


"Monseigneur has never recovered the shock of that night, never," Monsieur Fiche whispered to Mrs. Crawley as the carriage flashed by, and she peeped out at it from behind the shrubs that hid her.

"Monseigneur has never recovered from the shock of that night," Monsieur Fiche whispered to Mrs. Crawley as the carriage flashed by, and she peeped out from behind the shrubs.


"That was a consolation at any rate," Becky thought.

"That is a consolation at any rate," Becky thought.


Whether my lord really had murderous intentions towards Mrs. Becky as Monsieur Fiche said (since Monseigneur's death he has returned to his native country, where he lives much respected, and has purchased from his Prince the title of Baron Ficci), and the factotum objected to have to do with assassination; or whether he simply had a commission to frighten Mrs. Crawley out of a city where his Lordship proposed to pass the winter, and the sight of her would be eminently disagreeable to the great nobleman, is a point which has never been ascertained: but the threat had its effect upon the little woman, and she sought no more to intrude herself upon the presence of her old patron.

Whether my lord really had murderous intentions towards Mrs. Becky, or whether Monsieur Fiche simply had orders to frighten her out of the city, has never been ascertained: but the threat had its effect. She sought no more to meet her old patron.


Everybody knows the melancholy end of that nobleman, which befell at Naples two months after the French Revolution of 1830; when the Most Honourable George Gustavus, Marquis of Steyne, Earl of Gaunt and of Gaunt Castle, in the Peerage of Ireland, Viscount Hellborough, Baron Pitchley and Grillsby, a Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, of the Golden Fleece of Spain, of the Russian Order of Saint Nicholas of the First Class, of the Turkish Order of the Crescent, First Lord of the Powder Closet and Groom of the Back Stairs, Colonel of the Gaunt or Regent's Own Regiment of Militia, a Trustee of the British Museum, an Elder Brother of the Trinity House, a Governor of the White Friars, and D.C.L.--died after a series of fits brought on, as the papers said, by the shock occasioned to his lordship's sensibilities by the downfall of the ancient French monarchy.

Everybody knows the melancholy end of that nobleman, at Naples in 1830; when the Most Honourable Marquis of Steyne, Earl of Gaunt, died after a series of fits brought on, as the papers said, by the shock caused by the second French revolution.


An eloquent catalogue appeared in a weekly print, describing his virtues, his magnificence, his talents, and his good actions.

The newspapers described his virtues, his talents, and his good actions.


His sensibility, his attachment to the illustrious House of Bourbon, with which he claimed an alliance, were such that he could not survive the misfortunes of his august kinsmen.


His body was buried at Naples, and his heart--that heart which always beat with every generous and noble emotion was brought back to Castle Gaunt in a silver urn.

His body was buried at Naples, and his heart - that heart which always beat with every generous and noble emotion - was brought back to Gaunt Castle in a silver urn.


"In him," Mr. Wagg said, "the poor and the Fine Arts have lost a beneficent patron, society one of its most brilliant ornaments, and England one of her loftiest patriots and statesmen," &c., &c.


His will was a good deal disputed, and an attempt was made to force from Madame de Belladonna the celebrated jewel called the "Jew's-eye" diamond, which his lordship always wore on his forefinger, and which it was said that she removed from it after his lamented demise.

His will was disputed, and an attempt was made to force from Madame de Belladonna the celebrated diamond ring which his lordship always wore, and which it was said she removed after his death.


But his confidential friend and attendant, Monsieur Fiche proved that the ring had been presented to the said Madame de Belladonna two days before the Marquis's death, as were the bank-notes, jewels, Neapolitan and French bonds, &c., found in his lordship's secretaire and claimed by his heirs from that injured woman.

But his confidential friend, Monsieur Fiche, proved that the ring had been presented to Madame de Belladonna two days before the Marquis died, as had the bank-notes, jewels, bonds, etc, found in his lordship's desk, and claimed by his heirs from the injured woman.


Georgy Osborne was now fairly established in his grandfather's mansion in Russell Square, occupant of his father's room in the house and heir apparent of all the splendours there.

Georgy Osborne was now established in his grandfather's mansion in Russell Square, occupying his father's room and heir of all its splendours.


The good looks, gallant bearing, and gentlemanlike appearance of the boy won the grandsire's heart for him.

The boy's good looks and gallant bearing won his grandfather's heart.


Mr. Osborne was as proud of him as ever he had been of the elder George.


The child had many more luxuries and indulgences than had been awarded his father.

The child had many more luxuries than his father had.


Osborne's commerce had prospered greatly of late years.


His wealth and importance in the City had very much increased.

, and his wealth and importance in the City had very much increased.


He had been glad enough in former days to put the elder George to a good private school; and a commission in the army for his son had been a source of no small pride to him; for little George and his future prospects the old man looked much higher.

He had been glad enough to send the elder George to a good private school, and had been proud of his army commission; but for little George, the old man looked much higher.


He would make a gentleman of the little chap, was Mr. Osborne's constant saying regarding little Georgy.


He saw him in his mind's eye, a collegian, a Parliament man, a Baronet, perhaps.

he said: a collegian, a Parliament man, a Baronet, perhaps.


The old man thought he would die contented if he could see his grandson in a fair way to such honours.


He would have none but a tip-top college man to educate him--none of your quacks and pretenders--no, no.

He would have none but a tip-top college man to educate him.


A few years before, he used to be savage, and inveigh against all parsons, scholars, and the like declaring that they were a pack of humbugs, and quacks that weren't fit to get their living but by grinding Latin and Greek, and a set of supercilious dogs that pretended to look down upon British merchants and gentlemen, who could buy up half a hundred of 'em.

A few years before, he used to declare savagely that parsons, scholars, and the like were humbugs, supercilious dogs that looked down upon British merchants who could buy up half a hundred of 'em.


He would mourn now, in a very solemn manner, that his own education had been neglected, and repeatedly point out, in pompous orations to Georgy, the necessity and excellence of classical acquirements.

Now he mourned that his own education had been neglected, and pointed out, in pompous speeches to Georgy, the necessity of classical learning.


When they met at dinner the grandsire used to ask the lad what he had been reading during the day, and was greatly interested at the report the boy gave of his own studies, pretending to understand little George when he spoke regarding them.

When they met at dinner the grandsire would ask the lad what he had been reading, and was greatly interested in the boy's studies, pretending to understand what little George said about them.


He made a hundred blunders and showed his ignorance many a time.

He made a hundred blunders and often showed his ignorance.


It did not increase the respect which the child had for his senior.

It did not increase the child's respect for him.


A quick brain and a better education elsewhere showed the boy very soon that his grandsire was a dullard, and he began accordingly to command him and to look down upon him; for his previous education, humble and contracted as it had been, had made a much better gentleman of Georgy than any plans of his grandfather could make him.

The boy soon realised that his grandfather was a dullard, and began to look down upon him; for his previous education, humble as it had been, had made a much better gentleman of Georgy than any plans of his grandfather.


He had been brought up by a kind, weak, and tender woman, who had no pride about anything but about him, and whose heart was so pure and whose bearing was so meek and humble that she could not but needs be a true lady.

He had been brought up by a kind, weak, tender woman, who had no pride about anything but him, a true lady with a pure heart and humble bearing.


She busied herself in gentle offices and quiet duties; if she never said brilliant things, she never spoke or thought unkind ones; guileless and artless, loving and pure, indeed how could our poor little Amelia be other than a real gentlewoman!

If she never said brilliant things, she never spoke or thought unkind ones.


Young Georgy lorded over this soft and yielding nature; and the contrast of its simplicity and delicacy with the coarse pomposity of the dull old man with whom he next came in contact made him lord over the latter too.

Young Georgy lorded over her soft and yielding nature; the coarse pomposity of the dull old man made him lord over the latter too.


If he had been a Prince Royal he could not have been better brought up to think well of himself.

If he had been a Prince Royal he could not have thought better of himself.


Whilst his mother was yearning after him at home, and I do believe every hour of the day, and during most hours of the sad lonely nights, thinking of him, this young gentleman had a number of pleasures and consolations administered to him, which made him for his part bear the separation from Amelia very easily.

Whilst his mother was yearning for him at home, this young gentleman had pleasures which made him bear the separation from her very easily.


Little boys who cry when they are going to school cry because they are going to a very uncomfortable place.


It is only a few who weep from sheer affection.


When you think that the eyes of your childhood dried at the sight of a piece of gingerbread, and that a plum cake was a compensation for the agony of parting with your mamma and sisters, oh my friend and brother, you need not be too confident of your own fine feelings.


Well, then, Master George Osborne had every comfort and luxury that a wealthy and lavish old grandfather thought fit to provide.


The coachman was instructed to purchase for him the handsomest pony which could be bought for money, and on this George was taught to ride, first at a riding-school, whence, after having performed satisfactorily without stirrups, and over the leaping-bar, he was conducted through the New Road to Regent's Park, and then to Hyde Park, where he rode in state with Martin the coachman behind him.

He was given a handsome pony, and was taught to ride, first at a riding-school, and then in Regent's Park and Hyde Park, where he rode in state with Martin the coachman behind him.


Old Osborne, who took matters more easily in the City now, where he left his affairs to his junior partners, would often ride out with Miss O. in the same fashionable direction.

Old Osborne, leaving his City affairs to his junior partners, would often ride out with Miss Osborne in the same fashionable direction.


As little Georgy came cantering up with his dandified air and his heels down, his grandfather would nudge the lad's aunt and say, "Look, Miss O."

As little Georgy came cantering up with his dandified air, his grandfather would nudge his daughter and say, "Look, Miss O."


And he would laugh, and his face would grow red with pleasure, as he nodded out of the window to the boy, as the groom saluted the carriage, and the footman saluted Master George.


Here too his aunt, Mrs. Frederick Bullock (whose chariot might daily be seen in the Ring, with bullocks or emblazoned on the panels and harness, and three pasty-faced little Bullocks, covered with cockades and feathers, staring from the windows) Mrs. Frederick Bullock, I say, flung glances of the bitterest hatred at the little upstart as he rode by with his hand on his side and his hat on one ear, as proud as a lord.

Here too his aunt, Mrs. Frederick Bullock - whose carriage appeared daily, with three pasty-faced little Bullocks staring from the windows - Mrs. Frederick Bullock flung glances of hatred at the little upstart as he rode by, as proud as a lord.


Though he was scarcely eleven years of age, Master George wore straps and the most beautiful little boots like a man.

Though he was scarcely eleven, Master George wore the most beautiful little boots like a man's.


He had gilt spurs, and a gold-headed whip, and a fine pin in his handkerchief, and the neatest little kid gloves which Lamb's Conduit Street could furnish.

He had gilt spurs, and a gold-headed whip, and neat little kid gloves.


His mother had given him a couple of neckcloths, and carefully hemmed and made some little shirts for him; but when her Eli came to see the widow, they were replaced by much finer linen.

His mother had carefully made shirts and neckcloths for him; but when he came to see her, they were replaced by much finer linen,


He had little jewelled buttons in the lawn shirt fronts.


Her humble presents had been put aside--I believe Miss Osborne had given them to the coachman's boy.

Her humble presents had been put aside - Miss Osborne had given them to the coachman's boy.


Amelia tried to think she was pleased at the change.


Indeed, she was happy and charmed to see the boy looking so beautiful.


She had had a little black profile of him done for a shilling, and this was hung up by the side of another portrait over her bed.

She had a little profile of him done for a shilling, and this was hung up beside her husband's portrait over her bed.


One day the boy came on his accustomed visit, galloping down the little street at Brompton, and bringing, as usual, all the inhabitants to the windows to admire his splendour, and with great eagerness and a look of triumph in his face, he pulled a case out of his great-coat--it was a natty white great-coat, with a cape and a velvet collar--pulled out a red morocco case, which he gave her.

One day the boy came on his visit, galloping down the street at Brompton; with great eagerness and triumph, he held out a leather case.


"I bought it with my own money, Mamma," he said.


Amelia opened the case, and giving a little cry of delighted affection, seized the boy and embraced him a hundred times.

Amelia opened the case, and giving a cry of delight, seized the boy and embraced him.


It was a miniature of himself, very prettily done (though not half handsome enough, we may be sure, the widow thought).

It was a miniature of himself, very prettily done.


His grandfather had wished to have a picture of him by an artist whose works, exhibited in a shop-window, in Southampton Row, had caught the old gentleman's eye; and George, who had plenty of money, bethought him of asking the painter how much a copy of the little portrait would cost, saying that he would pay for it out of his own money and that he wanted to give it to his mother.

His grandfather had wished to have a picture of him painted by an artist; and George, who had plenty of money, asked the painter how much a copy of the little portrait would cost, saying that he wanted to give it to his mother.


The pleased painter executed it for a small price, and old Osborne himself, when he heard of the incident, growled out his satisfaction and gave the boy twice as many sovereigns as he paid for the miniature.


But what was the grandfather's pleasure compared to Amelia's ecstacy?


That proof of the boy's affection charmed her so that she thought no child in the world was like hers for goodness.

This proof of the boy's affection charmed her; she thought no child in the world was so good as hers.


For long weeks after, the thought of his love made her happy.

For weeks after, the thought of his love made her happy.


She slept better with the picture under her pillow, and how many many times did she kiss it and weep and pray over it!

She slept better with the picture under her pillow, and how many times did she kiss it and pray over it!


A small kindness from those she loved made that timid heart grateful.


Since her parting with George she had had no such joy and consolation.


At his new home Master George ruled like a lord; at dinner he invited the ladies to drink wine with the utmost coolness, and took off his champagne in a way which charmed his old grandfather.

At his new home Master George ruled like a lord; at dinner he coolly invited the ladies to drink wine, and took champagne in a way which charmed his grandfather.


"Look at him," the old man would say, nudging his neighbour with a delighted purple face, "did you ever see such a chap?


he'll be ordering a dressing-case next, and razors to shave with; I'm blessed if he won't."


The antics of the lad did not, however, delight Mr. Osborne's friends so much as they pleased the old gentleman.

The lad's antics did not, however, delight Mr. Osborne's friends.


It gave Mr. Justice Coffin no pleasure to hear Georgy cut into the conversation and spoil his stories.


Colonel Fogey was not interested in seeing the little boy half tipsy.


Mr. Sergeant Toffy's lady felt no particular gratitude, when, with a twist of his elbow, he tilted a glass of port-wine over her yellow satin and laughed at the disaster; nor was she better pleased, although old Osborne was highly delighted, when Georgy "whopped" her third boy (a young gentleman a year older than Georgy, and by chance home for the holidays from Dr. Tickleus's at Ealing School) in Russell Square.

Mrs. Toffy felt no gratitude when he tilted a glass of port-wine over her yellow satin dress and laughed at the disaster; nor was she pleased, although old Osborne was highly delighted, when Georgy "whopped" her third boy.


George's grandfather gave the boy a couple of sovereigns for that feat and promised to reward him further for every boy above his own size and age whom he whopped in a similar manner.

George's grandfather gave the boy two sovereigns for that feat and promised to reward him for every boy above his own size whom he whopped in a similar manner.


It is difficult to say what good the old man saw in these combats; he had a vague notion that quarrelling made boys hardy, and that tyranny was a useful accomplishment for them to learn.

It is difficult to say what the old man saw in these combats; he had a vague notion that quarrelling made boys hardy, and that tyranny was a useful accomplishment.


English youth have been so educated time out of mind, and we have hundreds of thousands of apologists and admirers of injustice, misery, and brutality, as perpetrated among children.


Flushed with praise and victory over Master Toffy, George wished naturally to pursue his conquests further, and one day as he was strutting about in prodigiously dandified new clothes, near St. Pancras, and a young baker's boy made sarcastic comments upon his appearance, the youthful patrician pulled off his dandy jacket with great spirit, and giving it in charge to the friend who accompanied him (Master Todd, of Great Coram Street, Russell Square, son of the junior partner of the house of Osborne and Co.), George tried to whop the little baker.

Flushed with victory over Master Toffy, George wished to pursue his conquests further. One day as he was strutting about in dandified new clothes, a young baker's boy made sarcastic comments. George pulled off his jacket with great spirit, and giving it to his friend Master Todd, tried to whop the little baker.


But the chances of war were unfavourable this time, and the little baker whopped Georgy, who came home with a rueful black eye and all his fine shirt frill dabbled with the claret drawn from his own little nose.

But this time, the little baker whopped Georgy, who came home with a rueful black eye and all his fine shirt frill dabbled with blood from his own nose.


He told his grandfather that he had been in combat with a giant, and frightened his poor mother at Brompton with long, and by no means authentic, accounts of the battle.

He told his grandfather that he had fought a giant, and frightened his poor mother with long, and by no means authentic, accounts of the battle.


This young Todd, of Coram Street, Russell Square, was Master George's great friend and admirer.

This young Todd, the son of a junior partner in Osborne's firm, was Master George's great friend and admirer.


They both had a taste for painting theatrical characters; for hardbake and raspberry tarts; for sliding and skating in the Regent's Park and the Serpentine, when the weather permitted; for going to the play, whither they were often conducted, by Mr. Osborne's orders, by Rowson, Master George's appointed body-servant, with whom they sat in great comfort in the pit.

They both had a taste for raspberry tarts; for sliding and skating on the Serpentine, when the weather permitted; and for going to the play, where they were often taken at Mr Osborne's orders, by Rowson, Master George's servant.


In the company of this gentleman they visited all the principal theatres of the metropolis; knew the names of all the actors from Drury Lane to Sadler's Wells; and performed, indeed, many of the plays to the Todd family and their youthful friends, with West's famous characters, on their pasteboard theatre.

In Rowson's company they visited all the main theatres; knew the names of all the actors; and performed many of the plays to the Todd family and their youthful friends.


Rowson, the footman, who was of a generous disposition, would not unfrequently, when in cash, treat his young master to oysters after the play, and to a glass of rum-shrub for a night-cap.

Rowson, who was a generous man, would sometimes treat his young master to oysters after the play, and to a glass of rum-shrub.


We may be pretty certain that Mr. Rowson profited in his turn by his young master's liberality and gratitude for the pleasures to which the footman inducted him.

We may be pretty certain that Mr. Rowson profited in his turn from his young master's liberality.


A famous tailor from the West End of the town--Mr. Osborne would have none of your City or Holborn bunglers, he said, for the boy (though a City tailor was good enough for HIM)--was summoned to ornament little George's person, and was told to spare no expense in so doing.

A famous West End tailor was summoned to clothe little George, and was told to spare no expense.


So, Mr. Woolsey, of Conduit Street, gave a loose to his imagination and sent the child home fancy trousers, fancy waistcoats, and fancy jackets enough to furnish a school of little dandies.


Georgy had little white waistcoats for evening parties, and little cut velvet waistcoats for dinners, and a dear little darling shawl dressing-gown, for all the world like a little man.

So Georgy had white waistcoats for evening parties, and little velvet waistcoats for dinners, and


He dressed for dinner every day, "like a regular West End swell," as his grandfather remarked; one of the domestics was affected to his special service, attended him at his toilette, answered his bell, and brought him his letters always on a silver tray.

dressed for dinner every day, "like a regular West End swell," as his grandfather remarked. One of the servants helped him dress, answered his bell, and brought him his letters on a silver tray.


Georgy, after breakfast, would sit in the arm-chair in the dining-room and read the Morning Post, just like a grown-up man.


"How he DU dam and swear," the servants would cry, delighted at his precocity.


Those who remembered the Captain his father, declared Master George was his Pa, every inch of him.


He made the house lively by his activity, his imperiousness, his scolding, and his good-nature.

Georgy made the house lively by his activity, his imperiousness, his scolding, and his good-nature.


George's education was confided to a neighbouring scholar and private pedagogue who "prepared young noblemen and gentlemen for the Universities, the senate, and the learned professions: whose system did not embrace the degrading corporal severities still practised at the ancient places of education, and in whose family the pupils would find the elegances of refined society and the confidence and affection of a home."

He was educated by a neighbouring scholar who "prepared young noblemen for the Universities, the senate, and the learned professions: in whose family the pupils would find the elegances of refined society and the affection of a home."


It was in this way that the Reverend Lawrence Veal of Hart Street, Bloomsbury, and domestic Chaplain to the Earl of Bareacres, strove with Mrs. Veal his wife to entice pupils.

It was in this way that the Reverend Lawrence Veal and his wife strove to entice pupils.


By thus advertising and pushing sedulously, the domestic Chaplain and his Lady generally succeeded in having one or two scholars by them--who paid a high figure and were thought to be in uncommonly comfortable quarters.

This Chaplain and his lady had a few scholars, who paid a high figure for comfortable quarters.


There was a large West Indian, whom nobody came to see, with a mahogany complexion, a woolly head, and an exceedingly dandyfied appearance; there was another hulking boy of three-and-twenty whose education had been neglected and whom Mr. and Mrs. Veal were to introduce into the polite world; there were two sons of Colonel Bangles of the East India Company's Service: these four sat down to dinner at Mrs. Veal's genteel board, when Georgy was introduced to her establishment.

There was a large West Indian, whom nobody came to see, with a woolly head and a dandyfied appearance; there was a hulking boy of three-and-twenty whose education had been previously neglected; there were two sons of Colonel Bangles of the East India Company. These four sat down to dinner at Mrs. Veal's genteel board, when Georgy was introduced to her house.


Georgy was, like some dozen other pupils, only a day boy; he arrived in the morning under the guardianship of his friend Mr. Rowson, and if it was fine, would ride away in the afternoon on his pony, followed by the groom.

Like some dozen other pupils, he was only a day boy, escorted to school by Mr. Rowson.


The wealth of his grandfather was reported in the school to be prodigious.

His grandfather's wealth was reported in the school to be prodigious.


The Rev. Mr. Veal used to compliment Georgy upon it personally, warning him that he was destined for a high station; that it became him to prepare, by sedulity and docility in youth, for the lofty duties to which he would be called in mature age; that obedience in the child was the best preparation for command in the man; and that he therefore begged George would not bring toffee into the school and ruin the health of the Masters Bangles, who had everything they wanted at the elegant and abundant table of Mrs. Veal.

The Rev. Mr. Veal used to compliment Georgy upon it personally, warning him that he was destined for a high station, and should prepare for the lofty duties to which he would be called. He therefore begged that George would not bring toffee into the school and ruin the health of the Masters Bangles.


With respect to learning, "the Curriculum," as Mr. Veal loved to call it, was of prodigious extent, and the young gentlemen in Hart Street might learn a something of every known science.

The young gentlemen could learn every known science.


The Rev. Mr. Veal had an orrery, an electrifying machine, a turning lathe, a theatre (in the wash-house), a chemical apparatus, and what he called a select library of all the works of the best authors of ancient and modern times and languages.

The Rev. Mr. Veal had an orrery, an electrifying machine, a turning lathe, a theatre (in the wash-house), a chemical apparatus, and a select library of the works of the best authors.


He took the boys to the British Museum and descanted upon the antiquities and the specimens of natural history there, so that audiences would gather round him as he spoke, and all Bloomsbury highly admired him as a prodigiously well-informed man.

He took the boys to the British Museum and discussed the specimens there, gathering an audience; and he


And whenever he spoke (which he did almost always), he took care to produce the very finest and longest words of which the vocabulary gave him the use, rightly judging that it was as cheap to employ a handsome, large, and sonorous epithet, as to use a little stingy one.

always took care when speaking to use the very finest and longest words possible.


Thus he would say to George in school, "I observed on my return home from taking the indulgence of an evening's scientific conversation with my excellent friend Doctor Bulders--a true archaeologian, gentlemen, a true archaeologian--that the windows of your venerated grandfather's almost princely mansion in Russell Square were illuminated as if for the purposes of festivity.

Thus he would say to George in school, "I observed on my return home from taking the indulgence of an evening's scientific conversation with my excellent friend Doctor Bulders that the windows of your venerated grandfather's princely mansion in Russell Square were illuminated as if for the purposes of festivity.


Am I right in my conjecture that Mr. Osborne entertained a society of chosen spirits round his sumptuous board last night?"


Little Georgy, who had considerable humour, and used to mimic Mr. Veal to his face with great spirit and dexterity, would reply that Mr. V. was quite correct in his surmise.

Little Georgy, who used to mimic Mr. Veal to his face with great dexterity, would reply that Mr. V. was quite correct in his surmise.


"Then those friends who had the honour of partaking of Mr. Osborne's hospitality, gentlemen, had no reason, I will lay any wager, to complain of their repast.


I myself have been more than once so favoured.


(By the way, Master Osborne, you came a little late this morning, and have been a defaulter in this respect more than once.)


I myself, I say, gentlemen, humble as I am, have been found not unworthy to share Mr. Osborne's elegant hospitality.


And though I have feasted with the great and noble of the world--for I presume that I may call my excellent friend and patron, the Right Honourable George Earl of Bareacres, one of the number--yet I assure you that the board of the British merchant was to the full as richly served, and his reception as gratifying and noble.


Mr. Bluck, sir, we will resume, if you please, that passage of Eutropis, which was interrupted by the late arrival of Master Osborne."


To this great man George's education was for some time entrusted.

To this great man George's education was entrusted.


Amelia was bewildered by his phrases, but thought him a prodigy of learning.


That poor widow made friends of Mrs. Veal, for reasons of her own.


She liked to be in the house and see Georgy coming to school there.


She liked to be asked to Mrs. Veal's conversazioni, which took place once a month (as you were informed on pink cards, with AOHNH [_Transcriber's Note: The name of the Greek goddess Athene; the "O" represents a capital theta._] engraved on them), and where the professor welcomed his pupils and their friends to weak tea and scientific conversation.

liked to be asked to Mrs. Veal's conversazioni, which took place once a month, when the professor welcomed his pupils and their friends to weak tea and scientific conversation.


Poor little Amelia never missed one of these entertainments and thought them delicious so long as she might have Georgy sitting by her.

Poor little Amelia never missed one of these entertainments and thought them delicious so long as she had Georgy sitting by her.


And she would walk from Brompton in any weather, and embrace Mrs. Veal with tearful gratitude for the delightful evening she had passed, when, the company having retired and Georgy gone off with Mr. Rowson, his attendant, poor Mrs. Osborne put on her cloaks and her shawls preparatory to walking home.

And she would embrace Mrs. Veal with tearful gratitude for the delightful evening, before putting on her cloak and walking home.


As for the learning which Georgy imbibed under this valuable master of a hundred sciences, to judge from the weekly reports which the lad took home to his grandfather, his progress was remarkable.

As for Georgy's learning, to judge from the weekly reports he took home to his grandfather, his progress was remarkable.


The names of a score or more of desirable branches of knowledge were printed in a table, and the pupil's progress in each was marked by the professor.


In Greek Georgy was pronounced aristos, in Latin optimus, in French tres bien, and so forth; and everybody had prizes for everything at the end of the year.


Even Mr. Swartz, the wooly-headed young gentleman, and half-brother to the Honourable Mrs. Mac Mull, and Mr. Bluck, the neglected young pupil of three-and-twenty from the agricultural district, and that idle young scapegrace of a Master Todd before mentioned, received little eighteen-penny books, with "Athene" engraved on them, and a pompous Latin inscription from the professor to his young friends.

Even the woolly-headed Mr. Swartz, half-brother to the Honourable Mrs. MacMull, and Mr. Bluck, the neglected pupil of three-and-twenty, and the young scape-grace Mr. Todd, received little eighteen-penny books with a Latin inscription from the professor.


The family of this Master Todd were hangers-on of the house of Osborne.


The old gentleman had advanced Todd from being a clerk to be a junior partner in his establishment.


Mr. Osborne was the godfather of young Master Todd (who in subsequent life wrote Mr. Osborne Todd on his cards and became a man of decided fashion), while Miss Osborne had accompanied Miss Maria Todd to the font, and gave her protegee a prayer-book, a collection of tracts, a volume of very low church poetry, or some such memento of her goodness every year.


Miss O. drove the Todds out in her carriage now and then; when they were ill, her footman, in large plush smalls and waistcoat, brought jellies and delicacies from Russell Square to Coram Street.


Coram Street trembled and looked up to Russell Square indeed, and Mrs. Todd, who had a pretty hand at cutting out paper trimmings for haunches of mutton, and could make flowers, ducks, &c., out of turnips and carrots in a very creditable manner, would go to "the Square," as it was called, and assist in the preparations incident to a great dinner, without even so much as thinking of sitting down to the banquet.


If any guest failed at the eleventh hour, Todd was asked to dine.


Mrs. Todd and Maria came across in the evening, slipped in with a muffled knock, and were in the drawing-room by the time Miss Osborne and the ladies under her convoy reached that apartment--and ready to fire off duets and sing until the gentlemen came up.


How she had to work and thrum at these duets and sonatas in the Street, before they appeared in public in the Square!


Thus it seemed to be decreed by fate that Georgy was to domineer over everybody with whom he came in contact, and that friends, relatives, and domestics were all to bow the knee before the little fellow.

Thus it seemed to be decreed that Georgy was to domineer over everybody, and that all must bow the knee before the little fellow.


It must be owned that he accommodated himself very willingly to this arrangement.


And Georgy liked to play the part of master and perhaps had a natural aptitude for it.


In Russell Square everybody was afraid of Mr. Osborne, and Mr. Osborne was afraid of Georgy.


The boy's dashing manners, and offhand rattle about books and learning, his likeness to his father (dead unreconciled in Brussels yonder) awed the old gentleman and gave the young boy the mastery.

The boy's dashing manners, his offhand rattle about books and learning, and his likeness to his dead father awed the old gentleman.


The old man would start at some hereditary feature or tone unconsciously used by the little lad, and fancy that George's father was again before him.


He tried by indulgence to the grandson to make up for harshness to the elder George.

tried by indulgence to make up for his harshness to the elder George.


People were surprised at his gentleness to the boy.


He growled and swore at Miss Osborne as usual, and would smile when George came down late for breakfast.

He growled and swore at Miss Osborne, yet would smile when George came down late for breakfast.


Miss Osborne, George's aunt, was a faded old spinster, broken down by more than forty years of dulness and coarse usage.

Miss Osborne was now a faded old spinster, broken down by forty years of dullness and coarse usage.


It was easy for a lad of spirit to master her.


And whenever George wanted anything from her, from the jam-pots in her cupboards to the cracked and dry old colours in her paint-box (the old paint-box which she had had when she was a pupil of Mr. Smee and was still almost young and blooming), Georgy took possession of the object of his desire, which obtained, he took no further notice of his aunt.

Whenever he wanted anything, from the jam-pots in her cupboards to the cracked old colours in her paint-box, Georgy took possession of it, and then took no further notice of his aunt.


For his friends and cronies, he had a pompous old schoolmaster, who flattered him, and a toady, his senior, whom he could thrash.


It was dear Mrs. Todd's delight to leave him with her youngest daughter, Rosa Jemima, a darling child of eight years old.


The little pair looked so well together, she would say (but not to the folks in "the Square," we may be sure) "who knows what might happen?


Don't they make a pretty little couple?"


The broken-spirited, old, maternal grandfather was likewise subject to the little tyrant.

The other old grandfather, Mr. Sedley, was likewise subject to the little tyrant.


He could not help respecting a lad who had such fine clothes and rode with a groom behind him.

He could not help respecting a lad who had such fine clothes and rode with a groom.


Georgy, on his side, was in the constant habit of hearing coarse abuse and vulgar satire levelled at John Sedley by his pitiless old enemy, Mr. Osborne.

Georgy, on his side, was used to hearing coarse abuse levelled at John Sedley by his pitiless enemy, Mr. Osborne


Osborne used to call the other the old pauper, the old coal-man, the old bankrupt, and by many other such names of brutal contumely.

, who called him the old coal-man, the old bankrupt, and many other such names.


How was little George to respect a man so prostrate?


A few months after he was with his paternal grandfather, Mrs. Sedley died.


There had been little love between her and the child.


He came down to visit his mother in a fine new suit of mourning, and was very angry that he could not go to a play upon which he had set his heart.

He came down to visit his mother in a fine new suit of mourning, and was very angry that he could not go to a play.


The illness of that old lady had been the occupation and perhaps the safeguard of Amelia.


What do men know about women's martyrdoms?


We should go mad had we to endure the hundredth part of those daily pains which are meekly borne by many women.

We should go mad if we had to endure the hundredth part of those daily pains which are meekly borne by many women.


Ceaseless slavery meeting with no reward; constant gentleness and kindness met by cruelty as constant; love, labour, patience, watchfulness, without even so much as the acknowledgement of a good word; all this, how many of them have to bear in quiet, and appear abroad with cheerful faces as if they felt nothing.


Tender slaves that they are, they must needs be hypocrites and weak.


From her chair Amelia's mother had taken to her bed, which she had never left, and from which Mrs. Osborne herself was never absent except when she ran to see George.

Amelia's mother had taken to her bed, which she had never left, and from which Amelia was never absent except when she ran to see George.


The old lady grudged her even those rare visits; she, who had been a kind, smiling, good-natured mother once, in the days of her prosperity, but whom poverty and infirmities had broken down.

The old lady grudged her even those rare visits. She had been a kind, smiling mother once, but poverty and illness had broken her down.


Her illness or estrangement did not affect Amelia.


They rather enabled her to support the other calamity under which she was suffering, and from the thoughts of which she was kept by the ceaseless calls of the invalid.


Amelia bore her harshness quite gently; smoothed the uneasy pillow; was always ready with a soft answer to the watchful, querulous voice; soothed the sufferer with words of hope, such as her pious simple heart could best feel and utter, and closed the eyes that had once looked so tenderly upon her.

Amelia bore her mother's harshness gently; smoothed the uneasy pillow; was always ready with a soft answer to the querulous voice, and finally closed the eyes that had once looked so tenderly upon her.


Then all her time and tenderness were devoted to the consolation and comfort of the bereaved old father, who was stunned by the blow which had befallen him, and stood utterly alone in the world.

Then all her time and tenderness were devoted to comforting the bereaved old father, who was stunned by this blow.


His wife, his honour, his fortune, everything he loved best had fallen away from him.

Everything he loved best had fallen away from him.


There was only Amelia to stand by and support with her gentle arms the tottering, heart-broken old man.

There was only Amelia to stand by and support him with her gentle arms.


We are not going to write the history: it would be too dreary and stupid.


I can see Vanity Fair yawning over it d'avance.

I can see Vanity Fair yawning over it already.


One day as the young gentlemen were assembled in the study at the Rev. Mr. Veal's, and the domestic chaplain to the Right Honourable the Earl of Bareacres was spouting away as usual, a smart carriage drove up to the door decorated with the statue of Athene, and two gentlemen stepped out.

One day as the pupils were assembled in the study at the Rev. Mr. Veal's, a smart carriage drove up to the door, and two gentlemen stepped out.


The young Masters Bangles rushed to the window with a vague notion that their father might have arrived from Bombay.


The great hulking scholar of three-and-twenty, who was crying secretly over a passage of Eutropius, flattened his neglected nose against the panes and looked at the drag, as the laquais de place sprang from the box and let out the persons in the carriage.

The hulking scholar of three-and-twenty flattened his neglected nose against the panes and looked out at the men.


"It's a fat one and a thin one," Mr. Bluck said as a thundering knock came to the door.

"It's a fat one and a thin one," he said, as a knock thundered on the door.


Everybody was interested, from the domestic chaplain himself, who hoped he saw the fathers of some future pupils, down to Master Georgy, glad of any pretext for laying his book down.


The boy in the shabby livery with the faded copper buttons, who always thrust himself into the tight coat to open the door, came into the study and said, "Two gentlemen want to see Master Osborne."

The servant-boy came into the study and said, "Two gentlemen want to see Master Osborne."


The professor had had a trifling altercation in the morning with that young gentleman, owing to a difference about the introduction of crackers in school-time; but his face resumed its habitual expression of bland courtesy as he said, "Master Osborne, I give you full permission to go and see your carriage friends--to whom I beg you to convey the respectful compliments of myself and Mrs. Veal."

The professor had had a trifling disagreement that morning with George, owing to a difference about the introduction of crackers in school-time; but he said with bland courtesy, "Master Osborne, I give you permission to go and see your friends - to whom I beg you to convey my respectful compliments."


Georgy went into the reception-room and saw two strangers, whom he looked at with his head up, in his usual haughty manner.

Georgy went into the reception-room and saw two strangers, whom he looked at in his usual haughty manner.


One was fat, with mustachios, and the other was lean and long, in a blue frock-coat, with a brown face and a grizzled head.


The boy's face flushed up, as it did usually when he was moved, and his eyes brightened.

The boy's face flushed, and his eyes brightened.


"I don't know the other," he said, "but I should think you must be Major Dobbin."

"I don't know the other," he said, "but I think you must be Major Dobbin."


His voice trembled with pleasure as he greeted the boy, and taking both the other's hands in his own, drew the lad to him.

His voice trembled with pleasure as he greeted the boy, and taking his hands, drew the lad to him.


"Your mother has talked to you about me--has she?"

"Your mother has talked to you about me - has she?"


"That she has," Georgy answered, "hundreds and hundreds of times."


A VERY stout, puffy man, in buckskins and Hessian boots, with several immense neckcloths that rose almost to his nose, with a red striped waistcoat and an apple green coat with steel buttons almost as large as crown pieces (it was the morning costume of a dandy or blood of those days) was reading the paper by the fire when the two girls entered, and bounced off his arm-chair, and blushed excessively, and hid his entire face almost in his neckcloths at this apparition.

A very stout, puffy man, in buckskins and Hessian boots, with several immense neckcloths that rose almost to his nose, a red striped waistcoat and an apple green coat with huge steel buttons (the morning costume of a dandy of those days) was reading the paper by the fire when the two girls entered. He bounced off his arm-chair, blushing, and hid almost his entire face in his neckcloths.

Chapter 3: Rebecca Is in Presence of the Enemy


"It's only your sister, Joseph," said Amelia, laughing and shaking the two fingers which he held out.


"I've come home FOR GOOD, you know; and this is my friend, Miss Sharp, whom you have heard me mention."

"I've come home for good; and this is my friend, Miss Sharp, whom you have heard me mention."


"No, never, upon my word," said the head under the neckcloth, shaking very much--"that is, yes--what abominably cold weather, Miss"--and herewith he fell to poking the fire with all his might, although it was in the middle of June.

"No, never, upon my word," said the head under the neckcloth, shaking, "that is, yes - what abominably cold weather, Miss" - and he began poking the fire with all his might, although it was the middle of June.


"He's very handsome," whispered Rebecca to Amelia, rather loud.


not for worlds," said Miss Sharp, starting back as timid as a fawn.


She had previously made a respectful virgin-like curtsey to the gentleman, and her modest eyes gazed so perseveringly on the carpet that it was a wonder how she should have found an opportunity to see him.

She had previously made a respectful virgin-like curtsey to the gentleman, her modest eyes gazing so perseveringly on the carpet that it was a wonder how she should have seen him.


"Thank you for the beautiful shawls, brother," said Amelia to the fire poker.

"Thank you for the beautiful shawls, brother," said Amelia.


said Miss Sharp, and her eyes went from the carpet straight to the chandelier.


Joseph still continued a huge clattering at the poker and tongs, puffing and blowing the while, and turning as red as his yellow face would allow him.

Joseph continued clattering at the poker and tongs, puffing and turning red.


"I can't make you such handsome presents, Joseph," continued his sister, "but while I was at school, I have embroidered for you a very beautiful pair of braces."

"I can't make you such handsome presents, Joseph," continued his sister, "but while I was at school, I embroidered for you a beautiful pair of braces."


Amelia," cried the brother, in serious alarm, "what do you mean?"


and plunging with all his might at the bell-rope, that article of furniture came away in his hand, and increased the honest fellow's confusion.

and he plunged so mightily at the bell-rope that it came away in his hand, increasing his confusion.


"For heaven's sake see if my buggy's at the door.

"For heaven's sake, see if my buggy's at the door.


At this minute the father of the family walked in, rattling his seals like a true British merchant.


"Joseph wants me to see if his--his buggy is at the door.

"Joseph wants me to see if his buggy is at the door.


"It is a one-horse palanquin," said the old gentleman, who was a wag in his way.

"It is a one-horse litter," said the old gentleman.


Joseph at this burst out into a wild fit of laughter; in which, encountering the eye of Miss Sharp, he stopped all of a sudden, as if he had been shot.

Joseph burst out into a wild fit of laughter; meeting Miss Sharp's eye, he stopped suddenly, as if he had been shot.


asked Mr. Sedley. "Miss Sharp, I am very happy to see you.


Have you and Emmy been quarrelling already with Joseph, that he wants to be off?"

Have you and Emmy been quarrelling already with Joseph, so that he wants to be off?"


"I promised Bonamy of our service, sir," said Joseph, "to dine with him."

"I promised to dine with Bonamy, sir," said Joseph. "I'm not dressed for dinner here."


didn't you tell your mother you would dine here?"


"Look at him, isn't he handsome enough to dine anywhere, Miss Sharp?"

Isn't he handsome enough to dine anywhere, Miss Sharp?"


On which, of course, Miss Sharp looked at her friend, and they both set off in a fit of laughter, highly agreeable to the old gentleman.


"Did you ever see a pair of buckskins like those at Miss Pinkerton's?"

"Did you ever see a pair of buckskins like his at Miss Pinkerton's?"


continued he, following up his advantage.


Mrs. Sedley, my dear, I have hurt your son's feelings.


Come, Joseph, be friends with Miss Sharp, and let us all go to dinner."


"There's a pillau, Joseph, just as you like it, and Papa has brought home the best turbot in Billingsgate."

"There's a pilau, Joseph, just as you like it, and the best turbot in Billingsgate."


"Come, come, sir, walk downstairs with Miss Sharp, and I will follow with these two young women," said the father, and he took an arm of wife and daughter and walked merrily off.

"Come, sir, walk downstairs with Miss Sharp," said the father, and he walked merrily off.


If Miss Rebecca Sharp had determined in her heart upon making the conquest of this big beau, I don't think, ladies, we have any right to blame her; for though the task of husband-hunting is generally, and with becoming modesty, entrusted by young persons to their mammas, recollect that Miss Sharp had no kind parent to arrange these delicate matters for her, and that if she did not get a husband for herself, there was no one else in the wide world who would take the trouble off her hands.

If Miss Rebecca Sharp had determined upon conquering this big beau, I don't think we have any right to blame her. For though the task of husband-hunting is generally entrusted by young ladies to their mammas, recollect that Miss Sharp had no kind parent to arrange these delicate matters for her. If she did not get a husband for herself, no-one else would take the trouble.


What causes young people to "come out," but the noble ambition of matrimony?


What sends them trooping to watering-places?


What keeps them dancing till five o'clock in the morning through a whole mortal season?


What causes them to labour at pianoforte sonatas, and to learn four songs from a fashionable master at a guinea a lesson, and to play the harp if they have handsome arms and neat elbows, and to wear Lincoln Green toxophilite hats and feathers, but that they may bring down some "desirable" young man with those killing bows and arrows of theirs?


What causes respectable parents to take up their carpets, set their houses topsy-turvy, and spend a fifth of their year's income in ball suppers and iced champagne?


Is it sheer love of their species, and an unadulterated wish to see young people happy and dancing?

Is it a pure wish to see young people happy and dancing?


they want to marry their daughters; and, as honest Mrs. Sedley has, in the depths of her kind heart, already arranged a score of little schemes for the settlement of her Amelia, so also had our beloved but unprotected Rebecca determined to do her very best to secure the husband, who was even more necessary for her than for her friend.

they want to marry their daughters; and, just as honest Mrs. Sedley had already arranged little schemes for the settlement of her Amelia, so also had our unprotected Rebecca decided to do her very best to secure the husband who was even more necessary for her than for her friend.


She had a vivid imagination; she had, besides, read the Arabian Nights and Guthrie's Geography; and it is a fact that while she was dressing for dinner, and after she had asked Amelia whether her brother was very rich, she had built for herself a most magnificent castle in the air, of which she was mistress, with a husband somewhere in the background (she had not seen him as yet, and his figure would not therefore be very distinct); she had arrayed herself in an infinity of shawls, turbans, and diamond necklaces, and had mounted upon an elephant to the sound of the march in Bluebeard, in order to pay a visit of ceremony to the Grand Mogul.

She had a vivid imagination; and had read the Arabian Nights. She had already built herself a most magnificent castle in the air, of which she was mistress, with a husband somewhere in the background; she had arrayed herself in shawls, turbans, and diamond necklaces, and had mounted upon an elephant to pay a visit to the Grand Mogul.


it is the happy privilege of youth to construct you, and many a fanciful young creature besides Rebecca Sharp has indulged in these delightful day-dreams ere now!

many a fanciful young creature besides Rebecca Sharp has indulged in these delightful day-dreams before now!


Joseph Sedley was twelve years older than his sister Amelia.


He was in the East India Company's Civil Service, and his name appeared, at the period of which we write, in the Bengal division of the East India Register, as collector of Boggley Wollah, an honourable and lucrative post, as everybody knows: in order to know to what higher posts Joseph rose in the service, the reader is referred to the same periodical.

He was in the East India Company's Civil Service, in the Bengal division: the tax collector of Boggley Wollah, an honourable and lucrative post, as everybody knows.


Boggley Wollah is situated in a fine, lonely, marshy, jungly district, famous for snipe-shooting, and where not unfrequently you may flush a tiger.

Boggley Wollah is situated in a fine, lonely, marshy, jungly district, where you may flush out a tiger.


Ramgunge, where there is a magistrate, is only forty miles off, and there is a cavalry station about thirty miles farther; so Joseph wrote home to his parents, when he took possession of his collectorship.

Ramgunge, where there is a magistrate, is only forty miles off, and there is a cavalry station about thirty miles farther.


He had lived for about eight years of his life, quite alone, at this charming place, scarcely seeing a Christian face except twice a year, when the detachment arrived to carry off the revenues which he had collected, to Calcutta.

Joseph had lived for eight years of his life quite alone at this charming place, seeing a Christian face only about twice a year.


Luckily, at this time he caught a liver complaint, for the cure of which he returned to Europe, and which was the source of great comfort and amusement to him in his native country.

Luckily, he had caught a liver complaint, for the cure of which he returned to Europe.


He did not live with his family while in London, but had lodgings of his own, like a gay young bachelor.

He did not live with his family in London, but had lodgings of his own, like a gay young bachelor.


Before he went to India he was too young to partake of the delightful pleasures of a man about town, and plunged into them on his return with considerable assiduity.

Before he went to India he was too young to partake of the delightful pleasures of a man about town, but he plunged into them eagerly on his return.


He drove his horses in the Park; he dined at the fashionable taverns (for the Oriental Club was not as yet invented); he frequented the theatres, as the mode was in those days, or made his appearance at the opera, laboriously attired in tights and a cocked hat.

He drove his horses in the Park; he dined at the fashionable taverns; he went to the theatres, or the opera, laboriously clothed in tights and a cocked hat.


On returning to India, and ever after, he used to talk of the pleasure of this period of his existence with great enthusiasm, and give you to understand that he and Brummel were the leading bucks of the day.

On returning to India, and ever after, he used to talk of this pleasant time with great enthusiasm, and give you to understand that he and Beau Brummel were the leading bucks of the day.


But he was as lonely here as in his jungle at Boggley Wollah.

But he was as lonely in London as in his jungle at Boggley Wollah.


He scarcely knew a single soul in the metropolis: and were it not for his doctor, and the society of his blue-pill, and his liver complaint, he must have died of loneliness.

He scarcely knew a single soul in the city: and were it not for his doctor, he must have died of loneliness.


He was lazy, peevish, and a bon-vivant; the appearance of a lady frightened him beyond measure; hence it was but seldom that he joined the paternal circle in Russell Square, where there was plenty of gaiety, and where the jokes of his good-natured old father frightened his amour-propre.

He was lazy and peevish; the appearance of a lady frightened him beyond measure. Hence he seldom joined his family in Russell Square, where there was plenty of gaiety, and where his father's jokes affronted him.


His bulk caused Joseph much anxious thought and alarm; now and then he would make a desperate attempt to get rid of his superabundant fat; but his indolence and love of good living speedily got the better of these endeavours at reform, and he found himself again at his three meals a day.

His bulk caused Joseph much anxious thought and alarm. Now and then he would make a desperate attempt to lose weight; but his indolence and love of good living speedily got the better of him.


He never was well dressed; but he took the hugest pains to adorn his big person, and passed many hours daily in that occupation.

He never was well dressed, but he took huge pains to adorn his big person.


His valet made a fortune out of his wardrobe: his toilet-table was covered with as many pomatums and essences as ever were employed by an old beauty: he had tried, in order to give himself a waist, every girth, stay, and waistband then invented.

His valet made a fortune out of his wardrobe: his dressing-table was covered with pomades and essences: he had tried, in order to give himself a waist, every waistband then invented.


Like most fat men, he would have his clothes made too tight, and took care they should be of the most brilliant colours and youthful cut.

Like most fat men, he had his clothes made too tight, and of the most brilliant colours and youthful cut.


When dressed at length, in the afternoon, he would issue forth to take a drive with nobody in the Park; and then would come back in order to dress again and go and dine with nobody at the Piazza Coffee-House.

When dressed at last, he would go out to take a drive with nobody in the Park; and then would come back to dress again and go and dine with nobody at the Piazza Coffee-House.


He was as vain as a girl; and perhaps his extreme shyness was one of the results of his extreme vanity.

He was as vain as a girl; and extremely shy.


If Miss Rebecca can get the better of him, and at her first entrance into life, she is a young person of no ordinary cleverness.

If Miss Rebecca can get the better of him, at her first entrance into life, she is a young person of no ordinary cleverness.


The first move showed considerable skill.

Her first move showed considerable skill.


When she called Sedley a very handsome man, she knew that Amelia would tell her mother, who would probably tell Joseph, or who, at any rate, would be pleased by the compliment paid to her son.


If you had told Sycorax that her son Caliban was as handsome as Apollo, she would have been pleased, witch as she was.


Perhaps, too, Joseph Sedley would overhear the compliment--Rebecca spoke loud enough--and he did hear, and (thinking in his heart that he was a very fine man) the praise thrilled through every fibre of his big body, and made it tingle with pleasure.

Perhaps, too, Joseph Sedley would overhear the compliment - and he did hear. The praise thrilled through every fibre of his big body, and made it tingle with pleasure.


he thought, and straightway he bounced towards the bell, and was for retreating, as we have seen, when his father's jokes and his mother's entreaties caused him to pause and stay where he was.

he thought; and straightway he bounced towards the bell, and was about to retreat, as we have seen, when he was persuaded to stay.


He conducted the young lady down to dinner in a dubious and agitated frame of mind.


thought he, "or is she only making game of me?"

thought he, "or is she making game of me?"


We have talked of Joseph Sedley being as vain as a girl.


the girls have only to turn the tables, and say of one of their own sex, "She is as vain as a man," and they will have perfect reason.

Yet girls might say with perfect reason, of one their own sex, "She is as vain as a man."


The bearded creatures are quite as eager for praise, quite as finikin over their toilettes, quite as proud of their personal advantages, quite as conscious of their powers of fascination, as any coquette in the world.

The bearded creatures are quite as eager for praise, quite as fussy and proud of their appearance, and quite as conscious of their powers of fascination, as any coquette.


Downstairs, then, they went, Joseph very red and blushing, Rebecca very modest, and holding her green eyes downwards.

Downstairs, then, they went, Joseph blushing, Rebecca very modest.


She was dressed in white, with bare shoulders as white as snow--the picture of youth, unprotected innocence, and humble virgin simplicity.

She was dressed in white, with bare shoulders - the picture of unprotected innocence and humble virgin simplicity.


"I must be very quiet," thought Rebecca, "and very much interested about India."

"I must be very quiet," thought she, "and very much interested about India."


Now we have heard how Mrs. Sedley had prepared a fine curry for her son, just as he liked it, and in the course of dinner a portion of this dish was offered to Rebecca.

Now Mrs. Sedley had prepared a fine curry for her son, and in the course of dinner this dish was offered to Rebecca.


said she, turning an appealing look to Mr. Joseph.


His mouth was full of it: his face quite red with the delightful exercise of gobbling.

His mouth was full: his face quite red with gobbling.


"Mother, it's as good as my own curries in India."


"Oh, I must try some, if it is an Indian dish," said Miss Rebecca.


"I am sure everything must be good that comes from there."


"Give Miss Sharp some curry, my dear," said Mr. Sedley, laughing.


Rebecca had never tasted the dish before.


"Do you find it as good as everything else from India?"

"Have some, Miss Sharp. Do you find it as good as everything else from India?"


said Rebecca, who was suffering tortures with the cayenne pepper.


"Try a chili with it, Miss Sharp," said Joseph, really interested.


She thought a chili was something cool, as its name imported, and was served with some.

She thought a chili was something cool, as its name suggested.


"How fresh and green they look," she said, and put one into her mouth.


It was hotter than the curry; flesh and blood could bear it no longer.

It was hotter than the curry; she could bear it no longer.


Mr. Sedley burst out laughing (he was a coarse man, from the Stock Exchange, where they love all sorts of practical jokes).

Mr. Sedley senior burst out laughing (he was a coarse man, from the Stock Exchange, where they love practical jokes).


"They are real Indian, I assure you," said he.


The paternal laugh was echoed by Joseph, who thought the joke capital.


They thought poor Rebecca suffered too much.

, but thought poor Rebecca suffered too much.


She would have liked to choke old Sedley, but she swallowed her mortification as well as she had the abominable curry before it, and as soon as she could speak, said, with a comical, good-humoured air, "I ought to have remembered the pepper which the Princess of Persia puts in the cream-tarts in the Arabian Nights.

She would have liked to choke old Sedley, but she swallowed her mortification, and as soon as she could speak, said, with a comical air, "I ought to have remembered the pepper which the Princess of Persia puts in the cream-tarts in the Arabian Nights.


Do you put cayenne into your cream-tarts in India, sir?"


Old Sedley began to laugh, and thought Rebecca was a good-humoured girl.

Old Sedley laughed, and thought Rebecca was a good-humoured girl.


We generally use goats' milk; and, 'gad, do you know, I've got to prefer it!"

We generally use goats' milk; and 'gad, do you know, I've got to prefer it!"


"You won't like EVERYTHING from India now, Miss Sharp," said the old gentleman; but when the ladies had retired after dinner, the wily old fellow said to his son, "Have a care, Joe; that girl is setting her cap at you."

"You won't like everything from India now, Miss Sharp," said the old gentleman. When the ladies had retired after dinner, the wily old fellow said to his son, "Have a care, Joe; that girl is setting her cap at you."


"I recollect, sir, there was a girl at Dumdum, a daughter of Cutler of the Artillery, and afterwards married to Lance, the surgeon, who made a dead set at me in the year '4--at me and Mulligatawney, whom I mentioned to you before dinner--a devilish good fellow Mulligatawney--he's a magistrate at Budgebudge, and sure to be in council in five years.

"There was a girl at Dumdum, a daughter of Cutler of the Artillery, and afterwards married to the surgeon, who made a dead set at me in 1804 - at me and Mulligatawney - a devilish good fellow Mulligatawney


- Well, sir, the Artillery gave a ball, and Quintin, of the King's 14th, said to me, 'Sedley,' said he, 'I bet you thirteen to ten that Sophy Cutler hooks either you or Mulligatawney before the rains.'


'Done,' says I; and egad, sir--this claret's very good.

'Done,' says I; and egad, sir - this claret's very good.