 means her appearance was altered so much for the better, that when
Peregrine arrived next day, he would 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, thro' 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
demeanor, 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 wholsome
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 a niece of the lieutenant. In that capacity she sat with becoming
easiness of mien (for she was as void of the mauvaise honte as any dutchess in
the land) bowed very graciously to the compliments of the gentlemen; and tho'
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who, after she was withdrawn, complimented Mr. Hatchway upon the beauty,
breeding and good humour of his kinswoman.
    But what contributed more than any other circumstance to her speedy
improvement, was
