The old nobleman
accepted of his apology with great politeness, thanking him for
the trouble he bad taken to reform the manners of his domestics;
and guessing from our youth's appearance that he was some stranger
of condition, very courteously invited him into the coach, on the
supposition that they were both going to the opera. Pickle gladly
embraced this opportunity of becoming acquainted with a person of
such rank, and, ordering his own chariot to follow, accompanied
the count to his loge, where he conversed with him during the whole
entertainment.
He soon perceived that Peregrine was not deficient in spirit or
sense, and seemed particularly pleased with his engaging manner and
easy deportment, qualifications for which the English nation is by
no means remarkable in France, and therefore the more conspicuous
and agreeable in the character of our hero, whom the nobleman
carried home that same evening, and introduced to his lady and
several persons of fashion who supped at his house. Peregrine was
quite captivated by their affable behaviour and the vivacity of
their discourse; and, after having been honoured with particular
marks of consideration, took his leave, fully determined to cultivate
such a valuable acquaintance.
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