'But why so?' cried she. 'It was an accident, and all of us are awkward at times. Life has too many serious miseries to admit of vexation about trifles.' 'There now!' cried I, with delight. 'I declare I told the butler, when I broke the china vase, that you would make a moral reflection.' 'Broke the---- Oh! mercy, have you broken my beautiful china vase?' 'Smashed it to atoms,' answered I, in a tone of the most assuasive sweetness. 'You did?' exclaimed she, in a voice that stunned me. 'And pray, how dared you go near it? How dared you even look at it? You, who are not fit company for crockery, much less china;--a crazed creature, that I brought into my house to divert my guests. You a title? You a beauty?' 'Dear Lady Gwyn,' said I, 'do be calm under this calamity. Trust me life has too many serious miseries to admit of vexation about trifles.' Her ladyship rose, with her cheeks inflamed, and her eyes glittering. I ran out of the room, in much terror; then up stairs, and into the nearest bed-chamber. It happened to be her ladyship's; and this circumstance struck me as most providential; for, in her present mood, she would probably compel me to quit the house; so that I could never have another opportunity of ransacking her caskets and cabinets, for memorials of my birth. I therefore began the search; but in the midst of it was interrupted by hearing a small voice cry, 'get out!' Much amazed, I looked up, and perceived her ladyship's favourite parrot in its cage. 'Get out!' said the parrot. 'I will let thee out, cost what it will,' cried I. So with much sensibility, and indeed, very little spleen, I took the bird, and put it out at the window. After having accurately examined several drawers, I found a casket in one of them; opened it, and beheld within (O delightful sight!) a miniature set round with inestimable diamonds, and bearing a perfect resemblance to the portrait in the gallery,--face, attitude, attire, every thing! 'Relic of my much injured house!' exclaimed I, depositing the picture in my bosom.' Image of my sainted mother, never will I part with thee!' 'What are you doing in my room?' cried Lady Gwyn, as she burst into it. 'How is this? All my dresses about the floor! my drawers, my casket open!--And, as I live, here is the miniature gone! Why you graceless little thing, are you robbing me?' 'Madam,' answered I, 'that miniature belongs to my family; I have recovered it at last; and let me see who will dare take it from me.' 'You are more knave than fool,' said her ladyship: 'give it back this instant, or, on my honour, I will expose you to the servants.' 'What is the use of bullying?' said I. 'Sure you are ruined should this swindling affair come to be known, not that I would, for the world, hang your ladyship;--far from it,--but then your character will be blasted. Ah! Lady Gwyn, where is your hereditary honour? where is your prudence? where is your dignity?' 'Where is my parrot?' shrieked her ladyship.