 of my wardrobe. - For which reason, I disposed of a good
part of my apparel to a salesman in Monmouth-street, for half the value, and
bought two new suits with the money. I likewise purchased a plain gold watch,
despairing of recovering that which I had so foolishly given to Strutwell, whom,
notwithstanding, I still continued to visit at his levée, until the embassador
he had mentioned, set out with a secretary of his own chusing. - I thought
myself then at liberty to expostulate with his lordship, whom I treated with
great freedom in a letter, for amusing me with vain hopes, when he neither had
the power nor inclination to provide for me. - Nor was I less reserved with
Straddle, whom I in person reproached for misrepresenting to me the character of
Strutwell, which I did not scruple to aver was infamous in every respect. - He
seemed very much enraged at my freedom, talked a great deal about his quality
and honour, and began to make some comparisons which I thought so injurious to
mine, that I demanded an explanation with great warmth; and he was mean enough
to equivocate, and condescend in such a manner, that I left him with a hearty
contempt of his behaviour.
    About this time, Banter, who had observed a surprizing and sudden alteration
in my appearance and disposition, began to enquire very minutely into the cause;
and as I did not think fit to let him know the true state of the affair, lest he
might make free with my purse, on the strength of having proposed the scheme
that filled it, I told him that I had received a small supply from a relation in
the country, who at the same time had promised to use all his interest (which
was not small) in solliciting some post for me that would make me easy for life.
- »If that be the case (said Banter) perhaps you won't care to mortify yourself
a little, in making your fortune another way. - I have a relation who is to set
out for Bath next week, with an only daughter, who being sickly and decrepid,
intends to drink the waters for the recovery of her health. - Her father, who
was a rich Turkey merchant, died about a year ago, and left her with a fortune
of twenty thousand pounds, under the sole management of her mother, who is my
kinswoman. - I would have put in for the plate myself, but there is a breach at
present between the old woman and me. - You must know, that some time ago
