Summary

In Chapter 1 of Volume 2 Mrs. Chappell blames Angelica for losing the mermaid, but Angelica insists Mrs. Chappell’s party was off-putting to the merchant, Mr. Hancock. Angelica discovers that Simeon and Mrs. Chappell sent Mr. Hancock to her apartment to call, but she missed him because she was in bed with George, the young man she picked up at the mermaid party. Mr. Hancock gets the mermaid back and four splendid gentlemen visit and inquire about buying it. The men offer Mr. Hancock 2,000 pounds, but he adds another zero, making it 20,000 pounds. They agree.

Newly rich, Mr. Hancock’s life does not seem to change much in Chapter 3 and he feels lonely. Sukie, his niece, feels disappointed he sold the mermaid even though it brought her a large dowry. Chapter 4 picks up with George Rockingham and Angelica. Mrs. Frost does not like...