The youth
was not such a novice but that he perceived the design of this
palpable piece of behaviour, which, notwithstanding, he overlooked
for the present, with a view of flattering their hopes in the
beginning, that they might be the more effectually punished by
their disappointment in the end.
The game was scarce begun, when, by the reflection of a glass, he
discerned the officer at his back making signs to his companion,
who, by preconcerted gestures, was perfectly informed of the contents
of Peregrine's hand, and, of consequence, fortunate in the course
of play. Thus they were allowed to enjoy the fruits of their
dexterity, until their money amounted to some louis; when our young
gentleman, thinking it high time to do himself justice, signified
in very polite terms to the gentleman who stood behind him, that he
could never play with ease and deliberation when he was overlooked
by any bystander, and begged that he would have the goodness to be
seated.
As this was a remonstrance which the stranger could not, with my show
of breeding, resist, he asked pardon, and retired to the chair of
the physician, who frankly told him, that it was not the fashion of
his country for one to submit his hand to the perusal of a spectator;
and when, in consequence of this rebuff, he wanted to quarter himself
upon the painter, he was refused by a wave of the hand, and shake
of the head, with an exclamation of pardonnez moi; which was repeated
with such emphasis, as discomposed this effrontery; and he found
himself obliged to sit down in a state of mortification.
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