This affair being transacted to the satisfaction of all concerned,
preparations were set on foot for the departure of our hero, on
whom his uncle settled an annuity of eight hundred pounds, being
little less than one half of his whole income. By this time, indeed,
the old gentleman could easily afford to alienate such a part of
his fortune, because he entertained little or no company, kept few
servants, and was remarkably plain and frugal in his housekeeping.
Mrs. Trunnion being now some years on the wrong side of fifty, her
infirmities began to increase; and though her pride had suffered
no diminution, her vanity was altogether subdued by her avarice.
A Swiss valet-de-chambre, who had already made the tour of Europe,
was hired for the care of Peregrine's own person. Pipes being ignorant
of the French language, as well as otherwise unfit for the office
of a fashionable attendant, it was resolved that he should remain
in garrison; and his place was immediately supplied by a Parisian
lacquey engaged at London for that purpose. Pipes did not seem to
relish this disposition of things; and though he made no verbal
objections to it, looked remarkably sour at his successor upon his
first arrival; but this sullen fit seemed gradually to wear off;
and long before his master's departure, he had recovered his natural
tranquility and unconcern.
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