on), and acceded to her wishes. There was no love
on either side--vanity was the mainspring of the whole transaction.
Lemoine did not like to be beaten; Sarah sold herself for a passage to
England and an introduction into the "great world".

We need not describe her career at this epoch. Suffice it to say that
she discovered that vice is not always conducive to happiness, and is
not, even in this world, so well rewarded as its earnest practice might
merit. Sated, and disappointed, she soon grew tired of her life, and
longed to escape from its wearying dissipations. At this juncture she
fell in love.

The object of her affections was one Mr. Lionel Crofton. Crofton was
tall, well made, and with an insinuating address. His features were too
strongly marked for beauty. His eyes were the best part of his face,
and, like his hair, they were jet black. He had broad shoulders, sinewy
limbs, and small hands and feet. His head was round, and well-shaped,
but it bulged a little over the ears which were singularly small and lay
close to his head. With this man, barely four years older than herself,
Sarah, at seventeen, fell violently in love. This was the more strange
as, though fond of her, he would tolerate no caprices, and possessed
an ungovernable temper, which found vent in curses, and even blows. He
seemed to have no profession or business, and though he owned a good
address, he was even less of a gentleman than Lemoine. Yet Sarah,
attracted by one of the strange sympathies which constitute the romance
of such women's lives, was devoted to him. Touched by her affection,
and rating her intelligence and unscrupulousness at their true value, he
told her who he was. He was a swindler, a forger, and a thief, and
his name was John Rex. When she heard this she experienced a sinister
delight. He told her of his plots, his tricks, his escapes, his
villainies; and seeing how for years this young man had preyed upon the
world which had deceived and disowned her, her heart went out to him. "I
am glad you found me," she said. "Two heads are better than one. We will
work together."

John Rex, known among his intimate associates as Dandy Jack, was
the putative son of a man who had been for many years valet to Lord
Bellasis, and who retired from the service of that profligate nobleman
with a sum of money and a wife. John Rex was sent to as good a school as
could be procured for him, and at sixteen was given, by the interest
of his mother