You seem to form your manners on the model of Squire Western, whose character you so greatly admire; though, as I have often demonstrated, it contains not one particle of humour, but to please the very grossest taste and conception.” “Oh yes, I can imitate Squire Western,” said Hamilton; then gravely assuming an expression of anger, and looking at Scribble in the face, “What, dost thee open upon me? If thee dost begin to babble, I shall whip thee in presently.” Scribble, not perfectly understanding this quotation, and afraid its last part might be intended literally, thought proper to draw in his horns, and immediately assured Hamilton he meant no offence. The lady, happening to recollect the passage, turned to Hamilton, and said, “Fie, brother, Mr. Supple is a man of sense.” “There,” said our hero, “the comparison breaks.” Hamilton, who had learned who the lady was, now entered into conversation. “I see,” said he, “madam, you are a stranger to the valuable Mr. Richard Scribble; had you ever been in company with him, you would not have failed to have known what he has written; and if it should be of consequence to be known at all, I must confess, such a nomenclator is not unnecessary.” Hamilton now, with all the elegant politeness of which he was so completely master, begged pardon for the question he was going to ask; whether he was not right in a conjecture that he had formed, that the lady whom he was now accosting, was Mrs. Somerive, author of the Orphan of Pembroke? She answered in the affirmative; and Hamilton, as far as delicacy would admit, expressed his admiration of the performance, and in such terms as convinced his fair auditor, that he was well acquainted with the work, and that his judgment could thoroughly comprehend and appreciate its merits. Mortimer now joined in the conversation, and, as they inquired, whether she often frequented the library on an evening, she told them, when she was unengaged, she did: that the following day she should not be there; but probably might the day after. Soon after, they departed. CHAPTER XIV.