
had been sacrificed. His lordship agreed to the reasonableness of his
expectation, observing, however, that he could not suppose the minister would
enter upon business with him, on his first visit; and that it would be time
enough, at his next audience, to communicate his demand.
    Notwithstanding this remonstrance, our hero continued to indulge his
suspicion and chagrin, and even made a point of it with his patron, that his
lordship should next day make application in his behalf, lest the two seats
should be filled up, on pretence of his inclination's being unknown. Thus
importuned, my lord went to his principal, and returned with an answer,
importing that his honour was extremely sorry that Mr. Pickle had not signified
his request before the boroughs in question were promised to two gentlemen whom
he could not now disappoint, with any regard to his own credit or interest; but
as several persons who would be chosen were, to his certain knowledge, very aged
and infirm, he did not doubt that there would be plenty of vacant seats in a
very short time; and then the young gentleman might depend upon his friendship.
    Peregrine was so much irritated at this intimation, that in the first
transports of his anger he forgot the respect he owed to his friend, and in his
presence inveighed against the minister, as a person devoid of gratitude and
candour, protesting, that if ever an opportunity should offer itself, he would
spend the whole remains of his fortune in opposing his measures. The nobleman
having given him time to exhaust the impetuosity of his passion, rebuked him
very calmly for his disrespectful expressions, which were equally injurious and
indiscreet; assured him that his project of revenge, if ever put in execution,
would redound to his own prejudice and confusion; and advised him to cultivate
and improve, with patience and assiduity, the footing he had already obtained in
the minister's good graces.
    Our hero convinced of the truth, tho' not satisfied with the occasion of his
admonitions, took his leave in a fit of sullen discontent, and began to ruminate
upon the shattered posture of his affairs. All that now remained of the ample
fortune he had inherited, was the sum he had deposited in his lordship's hands,
together with fifteen hundred pounds he had ventured on bottomry, and the
garison, which he had left for the use and accommodation of the lieutenant; and
on the per contra side of his account he was debtor for the supply he had
received from the receiver-general, and the money for which he was bound in
behalf of his friend;
