He had no propensity to imitation, and he had a strong susceptibility to the ridiculous.

These traits of mind thus early developed--which in later life prevented his ever finding fit scope for his natural powers, which made him too proud to bustle, and too philosophical to shine--were of service to him on this occasion, and preserved him from the danger into which he might otherwise have fallen.

He could not be persuaded to act: the fair Fanny gave up the attempt in despair.

"Yet stay with us," said she, tenderly, "and share my poor earnings." Godolphin started; and in the wonderful contradictions of the proud human heart, this generous offer from the poor actress gave him a distaste, a displeasure, that almost reconciled him to parting from her.

It seemed to open to him at once the equivocal mode of life he had entered upon.