The Advocate

'The Advocate' is a novel written by Charles Heavysege. The story begins in Montreal during the 1800s, and introduces us to a distinguished lawyer and a well-dressed woman who are in the middle of a conversation. The lawyer appears annoyed and dismissive, while the woman is sorrowful and tearful. The lawyer, who is described as wild and singular, rejects the woman's proposal of marriage in a humorous yet harsh manner. He argues that marriage is a prison, a warning to the wise, and a snare to the simple. He concludes by saying that he would only marry the woman if he hated her, and that he is ashamed to be importuned.