
most of them were sharpers from their youth: but, as he depended a good deal
upon his own penetration and address, he gratified the stranger's desire; and a
party was instantly formed of the painter, the physician, the proposer and
himself, the other officer having professed himself utterly ignorant of the
game; yet, in the course of the play, he took his station at the back of
Pickle's chair, which was opposite to his friend, on pretence of amusing himself
with seeing his manner of conducting the cards. The youth was not such a novice
but that he perceived the design of this palpable piece of behaviour, which,
notwithstanding, he overlook'd for the present, with a view of flattering their
hopes in the beginning, that they might be the more effectually punished, by
their disappointment in the end.
    The game was scarce begun, when by the reflection of a glass he discerned
the officer at his back, making signs to his companion, who, by these
pre-concerted gestures, was perfectly informed of the contents of Peregrine's
hand, and of consequence fortunate in the course of play.
    Thus they were allowed to enjoy the fruits of their dexterity, until their
money amounted to some Louis; when our young gentleman, thinking it high time to
do himself justice, signified in very polite terms to the gentleman who stood
behind him, that he could never play with ease and deliberation when he was
overlooked by any bystander, and begg'd that he would have the goodness to be
seated.
    As this was a remonstrance which the stranger could not with any shew of
breeding resist, he asked pardon, and retired to the chair of the physician, who
frankly told him, that it was not the fashion of his country for one to submit
his hand to the perusal of a spectator; and when, in consequence of this rebuff,
he wanted to quarter himself upon the painter, he was refused by a wave of the
hand, and a shake of the head, with an exclamation of, Pardonnez moi! which was
repeated with such emphasis, as discomposed his effrontery, and he found himself
obliged to sit down in a state of mortification.
    The odds being thus removed, fortune proceeded in her usual channel; and
though the Frenchman, deprived of his ally, endeavoured to practise divers
strokes of finesse, the rest of the company observed him with such vigilance and
caution, as baffled all his attempts, and in a very little time he was compelled
to part with his winning: but having engaged in the match with an intention
