SPIRIT OF THE
PUBLIC JOURNALS.
ORIGIN OF PAUL "PRY."
(By the Author.)
The idea of the character of Paul Pry was suggested by the following anecdote, related to me several years ago, by a beloved friend:—An idle old lady, living in a narrow street, had passed so much of her time in watching the affairs of her neighbours, that she, at length, acquired the power of distinguishing the sound of every knocker within hearing. It happened that she fell ill, and was, for several days, confined to her bed. Unable to observe in person what was going on without, she stationed her maid at the window, as a substitute for the performance of that duty. But Betty soon grew weary of the occupation: she became careless in her reports—impatient and tetchy when reprimanded for her negligence.
"Betty, what are you thinking about? don't you hear a double knock at No. 9? Who is it?"
"The first-floor lodger, Ma'am."
"Betty! Betty!—I declare I must give you warning. Why don't you tell me what that knock is at No. 54!"
"Why, Lord! Ma'am, it is only the baker, with pies."