She had seen him courted and cultivated
in the sunshine of his prosperity; but she knew, from sad experience,
how all those insect-followers shrink away in the winter of distress.
Her compassion represented him as a poor unhappy lunatic, destitute
of all the necessaries of life, dragging about the ruins of human
nature, and exhibiting the spectacle of blasted youth to the scorn
and abhorrence of his fellow-creatures. Aching with these charitable
considerations, she found means to learn in what part of the town
he lodged and, laying aside all superfluous ceremony, went in a
hackney-chair to his door, which was opened by the ever-faithful
Pipes.
Her ladyship immediately recollected the features of his trusty
follower, whom she could not help loving in her heart for his
attachment and fidelity, which after she had applauded with a most
gracious commendation, she kindly inquired after the state of his
master's health, and asked if he was in a condition to be seen.
Tom, who could not suppose that the visit of a fine lady would be
unacceptable to a youth of Peregrine's complexion, made no verbal
reply to the question; but beckoning her ladyship with an arch
significance of feature, at which she could not forbear smiling,
walked softly up-stairs; and she, in obedience to the signal,
followed her guide into the apartment of our hero, whom she found
at a writing-table, in the very act of composing a eulogium upon
his good friend Sir Steady.
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