 and a whisper; that for his own part, he should
have been proud of an opportunity to use his influence with the minister in
behalf of Mr. Pickle: »But, since you have put yourself under the protection of
another peer, (said he) whose connexions interfere with mine, I cannot now
espouse your cause, without incurring the imputation of seducing that nobleman's
adherents; a charge which, of all others, I would most carefully avoid. However,
I shall always be ready to assist you with my private advice, as a specimen of
which, I now counsel you to insist upon having another interview with Sir Steady
Steerwell himself, that you may in person explain your pretensions, without any
risque of being misrepresented; and endeavour, if possible, to draw him into
some particular promise, from which he cannot retract, with any regard to his
reputation: for general profession is a necessary armour worn by all ministers
in their own defence, against the importunity of those whom they will not
befriend, and would not disoblige.«
    This advice was so conformable to his own sentiments, that our adventurer
seized the first opportunity to demand an hearing; and plainly told his patron,
that if he could not be indulged with that favour, he should look upon his
lordship's influence to be very small, and his own hopes to be altogether
desperate; in which case, he was resolved to dispose of the mortgage, purchase
an annuity, and live independant.
 

                                   Chapter C

He is indulged with a second Audience by the Minister, of whose Sincerity he is
convinced. His Pride and Ambition revive, and again are mortified
 
If the young gentleman's money had been in other hands, perhaps the peer would
have been at very little pains, either in gratifying his demand, or opposing his
revenge; but he knew that a sale of the mortgage could not be effected without
an inquiry, to which he did not wish to be exposed. He therefore employed all
his interest in procuring the solicited audience; which being granted,
Peregrine, with great warmth and elocution, expatiated upon the injury his
fortune had suffered in the affair of the borough, for which he had stood
candidate; he took notice of the disappointment he had sustained in the other
election, reminded him of the promises with which he had been amused, and in
conclusion, desired to know what he had to expect from his favour.
    The minister having patiently heard him to an end, replied with a most
gracious aspect, that he was very well informed of his merit and attachment, and
very much disposed to
