ABSTRACT
While Martha was preparing what hope represented as a path of roses, Julia was by her gentle acquiescence hurrying her father towards the margin of the grave. Never contradicted, he indulged in every luxury, ate immoderately, played deeply, fretted incessantly, drank inordinately, and slept three times during the twenty-four hours. His malady increased, his form became every hour more corpulent; his temper more irritable; his pocket more light; and his expences more heavy. Julia had formed many fashionable acquaintances, for she knew the art of being all things to all people; among others she was honoured with the particular attentions of lady Pen Pryer: not because Julia had accomplishments and beauty; but because she was almost perpetually followed by sir Lionel Beacon: and lady Pen wisely thought the surest method of knowing what passed, was that of never losing sight of the objects who awakened her curiosity.
