, and fixed themselves upon
a curious implement belonging to a lady of quality in the neighbourhood, which
was reported to be a very great curiosity; this was no other than a porcelain
chamber-pot of admirable workmanship, contrived by the honourable owner, who
kept it for her own private use, and cherished it as an utensil of inestimable
value.
    Mrs. Grizzle shuddered at the first hint she received of her sister's desire
to possess this piece of furniture; because she knew it was not to be purchased;
and the lady's character, which was none of the most amiable in point of
humanity and condescension, forbad all hopes of borrowing it for a season; she
therefore attempted to reason down this capricious appetite, as an extravagance
of imagination which ought to be combated and repressed; and Mrs. Pickle, to all
appearance, was convinced and satisfied by her arguments and advice: but
nevertheless, could make use of no other convenience, and was threatened with a
very dangerous suppression. Rouzed at the peril in which she supposed her to be,
Mrs. Grizzle flew to the lady's house, and having obtained a private audience,
disclosed the melancholy situation of her sister, and implored the benevolence
of her ladyship, who, contrary to expectation, received her very graciously, and
consented to indulge Mrs. Pickle's longing: but, as she had not the pleasure of
being acquainted with the family, she hoped it would not be taken amiss, if she
insisted upon security for her own indemnification, in case any accident should
happen to the machine while under their protection. Overjoyed at this
condescension, Mrs. Grizzle was loud in her acknowledgments, embraced the terms
of the loan, in consequence of which, an hundred guineas were deposited, and
brought home this illustrious Jordan, with as much pleasure and satisfaction, as
the Argonauts enjoyed when they made themselves masters of the golden fleece.
True it is, her success was attended with a small disaster, which she could not
possibly foresee: next day it was, at the desire of Mrs. Pickle, committed to
the charge of a trusty servant, who, in carrying it back to the right owner, had
the misfortune to be overturned by one of her ladyship's valets who ran against
him in the court; and this superb piece of porcelain falling upon the pavement,
was dashed into a thousand pieces. In vain did the poor carrier urge his own
innocence, by representing the true cause of this misadventure; her ladyship was
deaf to all his proofs and protestations, and without any ceremony, detained the
