"Your retainer and unscrupulous agent, Major Pillichody, applied to Chowles to find some one to personate a clergyman in a mock marriage, which your lordship wished to have performed, and promised a handsome reward for the service.

Chowles mentioned the subject to me, and we speedily contrived a plan to outwit your lordship, and turn the affair to our advantage." The earl uttered an ejaculation of rage.
"Being acquainted with one of the minor canons of Saint Paul's, a worthy and pious young man, named Vincent," pursued Judith, utterly unmoved by Rochester's anger, "who resided hard by the cathedral, we hastened to him, and acquainted him with the design, representing ourselves as anxious to serve the poor girl, and defeat your lordship's wicked design--for such we termed it.

With a little persuasion, Mr.Vincent consented to the scheme.

Pillichody was easily duped by Chowles's statement, and the ceremony was fully performed." "The whole story is a fabrication," cried the earl, with affected incredulity.
"I have a certificate of the marriage," replied Judith, "signed by Mr.
Vincent, and attested by Chowles and myself.

If ever woman was wedded to man, Amabel is wedded to your lordship." "If this is the case, why seek to destroy her ?" demanded the earl.