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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 ad-
dress. 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 sympa-
thies 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

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