* * *

Over this part of Mrs. Cat's history we shall be as brief as
possible; for, to tell the truth, nothing immoral occurred during
her whole stay at the good Doctor's house; and we are not going to
insult the reader by offering him silly pictures of piety,
cheerfulness, good sense, and simplicity; which are milk-and-water
virtues after all, and have no relish with them like a good strong
vice, highly peppered. Well, to be short: Doctor Dobbs, though a
profound theologian, was a very simple gentleman; and before Mrs.
Cat had been a month in the house, he had learned to look upon her
as one of the most injured and repentant characters in the world;
and had, with Mrs. Dobbs, resolved many plans for the future welfare
of the young Magdalen. "She was but sixteen, my love, recollect,"
said the Doctor; "she was carried off, not by her own wish either.
The Count swore he would marry her; and, though she did not leave
him until that monster tried to poison her, yet think what a fine
Christian spirit the poor girl has shown! she forgives him as
heartily--more heartily, I am sure, than I do Mrs. Score for turning
her adrift in that wicked way." The reader will perceive some
difference in the Doctor's statement and ours, which we assure him
is the true one; but the fact is, the honest rector had had his tale
from Mrs. Cat, and it was not in his nature to doubt, if she had
told him a history ten times more wonderful.

The reverend gentleman and his wife then laid their heads together;
and, recollecting something of John Hayes's former attachment to
Mrs. Cat, thought that it might be advantageously renewed, should
Hayes be still constant. Having very adroitly sounded Catherine (so