CHAPTER IV--MISS EVANS AND THE EAGLE.
Mr.Samuel Wilkins was a carpenter, a journeyman carpenter of small dimensions, decidedly below the middle size--bordering, perhaps, upon the dwarfish.

His face was round and shining, and his hair carefully twisted into the outer corner of each eye, till it formed a variety of that description of semi-curls, usually known as 'aggerawators.' His earnings were all-sufficient for his wants, varying from eighteen shillings to one pound five, weekly--his manner undeniable--his sabbath waistcoats dazzling.

No wonder that, with these qualifications, Samuel Wilkins found favour in the eyes of the other sex: many women have been captivated by far less substantial qualifications.

But, Samuel was proof against their blandishments, until at length his eyes rested on those of a Being for whom, from that time forth, he felt fate had destined him.
He came, and conquered--proposed, and was accepted--loved, and was beloved.

Mr.Wilkins 'kept company' with Jemima Evans.
Miss Evans (or Ivins, to adopt the pronunciation most in vogue with her circle of acquaintance) had adopted in early life the useful pursuit of shoe-binding, to which she had afterwards superadded the occupation of a straw-bonnet maker.