time conceived an
insuppressible affection for a fricassee of frogs, which should be the
genuine natives of France; so that there was a necessity for despatching
a messenger on purpose to that kingdom; but as she could not depend
upon the integrity of any common servant, Mrs. Grizzle undertook that
province, and actually set sail in a cutter for Boulogne, from whence
she returned in eight-and-forty hours with a tub full of those live
animals, which being dressed according to art, her sister did not
taste them, on pretence that her fit of longing was past: but then her
inclinations took a different turn, and fixed themselves upon a curious
implement belonging to a lady of quality in the neighbourhood, which
was reported to be a great curiosity: this was no other than a porcelain
chamber-pot of admirable workmanship, contrived by the honourable owner,
who kept it for her own private use, and cherished it as a utensil of
inestimable value.

Mrs. Grizzle shuddered at the first hint, she received of her sister's
desire to possess this piece of furniture; because she knew it was not
to be purchased; and the lady's character, which was none of the most
amiable in point of humanity and condescension, forbad all hopes of
borrowing it for a season: she therefore attempted to reason down this
capricious appetite, as an extravagance of imagination which ought to be
combated and repressed; and Mrs. Pickle, to all appearance was convinced
and satisfied by her arguments and advice; but, nevertheless, could make
use of no other convenience, and was threatened with a very dangerous
suppression. Roused at the peril in which she supposed her to be,
Mrs. Grizzle flew to the lady's house, and, having obtained a private
audience, disclosed the melancholy situation of her sister, and implored
the benevolence of her ladyship, who, contrary to expectation, received
her very graciously, and consented to indulge Mrs. Pickle's longing. Mr.
Pickle began to be out of humour at the expense to which he was exposed
by the caprice of his wife, who was herself alarmed at this last
accident, and for the future kept her fancy within bounds; insomuch,
that without being subject to any more extraordinary trouble, Mrs.
Grizzle reaped the long-wished fruits of her dearest expectation in the
birth of a fine boy, whom her sister in a few months brought into the
world.

I shall omit the description of the rejoicings, which were infinite on
this important occasi