presented by the two homes, asked him if he knew how Reuben Harmer
was passing his time, and made a few bitter comparisons between his
son and those of his neighbour.

This was perhaps unfortunate, for Frederick, like most men of his
type, was both vain and spiteful. The mention of the Harmers put
him instantly in mind of his grudge against Reuben and his
suddenly-aroused admiration for rosy-cheeked Dorcas, both of which
matters had been put out of his head by recent events. He had
discovered also that Reuben generally accompanied his sister home
from Lady Scrope's house in the evening, so that it had not been
safe to pursue his attempted gallantries towards the maid. But as
he heard his father's strictures upon his conduct, coupled with
laudations of his old rival Reuben, a gleam of malice shone in his
eyes, and he at once made up his mind to contrive and carry out a
project which had been vaguely floating in his brain for some time,
and which might be the more easily arranged now that the town was
in a state of confusion and distress, and the streets were often so
empty and deserted.

In that age of vicious licence, it seemed nothing but an excellent
joke to Frederick and his boon companions to waylay a pretty city
maiden returning to her home from her daily duties. Frederick meant
no harm to the girl; but he had been piqued by the way in which his
compliments and kisses had been received, and above all he was
desirous to do a despite to Reuben, whose rebukes still rankled in
his heart, though he had quickly forgotten his good offices on the
occasion of his escapade before Lady Scrope's door. Moreover, he
owed that notable old woman a grudge likewise, and thought he could
pay off scores all round by making away with pretty Dorcas, at any