The Marchioness was a small servant employed by Sampson Brass and his sister Sally, as general house-worker and drudge, in which capacity she was discovered by Mr. Richard Swiveller, upon the very first day of his entering the Brass establishment as clerk. The Brasses' house was a small one in Bevis Marks, London, having upon its door a plate", Brass, Solicitor", and a bill tied to the knocker", First floor to let to a single gentleman", and served not only as habitation, but likewise as office for Sampson Brass, --of none too good legal repute, --and his sister; a gaunt, bony copy of her red-haired brother, who was his housekeeper, as well as his business partner.
