ircles; and she returned the salute
with a blow, which brought a double stream of blood from his nostrils,
greeting him at the same time with the opprobrious appellation of a lousy
son of a b---h. A combat more furious than the first would now have
ensued, had not Felton interposed with an air of authority, and insisted
on the man's leaving the field, an injunction which he forthwith obeyed,
saying, "Well, damme, Felton, you're my friend and commander; I'll obey
your order--but the b---h will be foul of me before we sleep."--Then
Felton advancing to his opponent, "Madam," said he, "I'm very sorry to
see a lady of your rank and qualifications expose yourself in this manner
--for God's sake, behave with a little more decorum, if not for the sake
of your own family, at least for the credit of your sex in general."--
"Hark ye, Felton," said she, "decorum is founded upon a delicacy of
sentiment and deportment, which cannot consist with the disgraces of a
jail, and the miseries of indigence.--But I see the dispute is now
terminated, and the money is to be drank; if you'll dine with us you
shall be welcome; if not, you may die in your sobriety, and be d--ned."

By this time the doctor had given out, and allowed the brewer to be the
better man; yet he would not honour the festival with his presence, but
retired to his chamber, exceedingly mortified at his defeat. Our hero was
reconducted to Mr. Felton's apartment, where he sat some time without
opening his mouth, so astonished he was at what he had seen and heard.
"I perceive, sir," said the prisoner, "you are surprised at the manner in
which I accosted that unhappy woman; and perhaps you will be more
surprised when you hear that within these eighteen months she was
actually a person of fashion, and her opponent, who by the bye is her
husband, universally respected as a man of honour and a brave officer."--
"I am, indeed," cried our hero, "overwhelmed with amazement and concern,
as well as stimulated by an eager curiosity to know the fatal causes
which have produced such a reverse of character and fortune. But I will
rein my curiosity till the afternoon, if you will favour me with your
company at a tavern in the neighbourhood, where I have bespoke dinner, a
favour which I hope Mr. Norton will have no objection to your granting,
as he himself is to be of the party."--The prisoner thanked him for his
kind invitation, and they adjourned immediately to the place, taking up
the dep