MD3PAD 112-114

[Toby G Levy]

        Mason tells his female acquaintance, who turns out to be
Florinda, (lately arrived in St. Helena also) of his fascination with
murderers and hangings.  The rope bearer arrives and everyone looks to
see if Lord Ferrers is really going to be hung with a rope made of silk.

        Mason and the woman purchase wine from a vendor and sip while
the hanging takes place. Florinda loses interest in Mason when he
accidentally reveals that he is a scientist, whom she perceives to be
existing on a stipend and hence not able to be a big spender. She
mentions the guidance she got from Mr. Bubb Dodington, who was a "byword
for aristocratic hauteur, tactless arrogance and amorality" according
Alexander Pope. Mason voices his dislike of Dodington, but Florinda
defends him.

        Mason's reverie over, he is surprised that Florinda remembered
him so completely from that one meeting at Tyburn.

Toby