ted by the utmost rigor of the law!--Of the
two, certainly the thief from habit is more culpable than the thief from
necessity."

Sir Felix and the Squire entirely agreed with their friend in
opinion.--"Shop-lifters," continued Dashall, "are as pernicious to the
trading part of the community as any of the cheats of London; there is
not, on a moderate calculation, less than 5000 of these artful thieves
in the metropolis, and the prejudice they do to the industrious
tradesman is incalculable."

"By the powers of safety, then," exclaimed the baronet "the
honest dealer should consider every stranger a thief until further
acquaintance."

"Not exactly so; however, it is necessary that the London tradesman
should be upon his guard, and keep ~138~~ a sharp look out upon his
customers, not knowing, by their appearance, whether they are honest or
otherwise."{1}

Turning from Holborn into Chancery Lane, our pedestrians were
encountered by a very handsome chariot, in which were two elegantly
dressed and beautiful women, who, ordering the carriage to stop,
saluted Dashall and the Squire in the most fascinating terms of friendly
recognition.

"Your Ladyships render me," said Dashall, "infinite happiness; this is a
most unexpected pleasure!"

"You are a gallant cavalier," observed one of the lovely inmates,
"another gentleman would probably have used the word honor instead of
happiness, but you are fertile in felicitous expression."

"Not more felicitous than appropriate; but whither away, my fair
captivators?"

"We are on a shopping expedition," replied one of the ladies, "you
and your friend of Belville-hall, are observers of Life in London
generally;--ours is a mere circumscribed sphere of action; we go to
view Life in a Mercer's shop.--When the Squire and you are not more
pleasantly engaged, give us a call, and perhaps we may grant you the
honor of an interview.--We would ask the Unknown," said she, in a
whisper, "who is he?"

1 A thief from habit.--Not long since, there existed in
the fashionable world, a female of rank and property, who
was an habitual, expert, and incorrigible thief.--She would
frequently sally forth in her carriage, and alighting at the
doors of perhaps, half a dozen different tradesmen, rummage
over their goods, without mak-ing a purchase, and embrace
the opportunity of purloining any portable article that lay
in her way. Those tradesmen to whom her thievi