n and decent apparel which had
belonged to Mrs. Hatchway; by which means her appearance was altered
so much for the better, that when Peregrine arrived next day, he could
scarce believe his own eyes. He was, for that reason, extremely well
pleased with his purchase, and now resolved to indulge a whim, which
seized him at the very instant of his arrival.

He had, as I believe the reader will readily allow, made considerable
progress in the study of character, from the highest rank to the most
humble station of life, and found it diversified in the same manner,
through every degree of subordination and precedency: nay, he moreover
observed, that the conversation of those who are dignified with the
appellation of polite company, is neither more edifying nor entertaining
than that which is met with among the lower classes of mankind; and that
the only essential difference, in point of demeanour, is the form of an
education, which the meanest capacity can acquire, without much study or
application. Possessed of this notion, he determined to take the young
mendicant under his own tutorage and instruction. In consequence of
which, he hoped he should, in a few weeks, be able to produce her in
company, as an accomplished young lady of uncommon wit, and an excellent
understanding.

This extravagant plan he forthwith began to execute with great eagerness
and industry; and his endeavours succeeded even beyond his expectation.
The obstacle, in surmounting of which he found the greatest difficulty,
was an inveterate habit of swearing, which had been indulged from her
infancy, and confirmed by the example of those among whom she had lived.
However, she had the rudiments of good sense from nature, which taught
her to listen to wholesome advice, and was so docile as to comprehend
and retain the lessons which her governor recommended to her attention;
insomuch, that he ventured, in a few days, to present her at table,
among a set of country squires, to whom she was introduced as niece to
the lieutenant. In that capacity she sat with becoming easiness of mien,
for she was as void of the mauvaise honte as any duchess in the land;
bowed very graciously to the compliments of the gentlemen; and though
she said little or nothing, because she was previously cautioned on that
score, she more than once gave way to laughter, and her mirth happened
to be pretty well timed. In a word, she attracted the applause and
admiration of the guests, who, af