I was again happy in the
conversation of my former acquaintance, and visited by a great number
of gentlemen, mostly persons of probity and sense, who cultivated
my friendship, without any other motive of attachment. Not that I
was unsolicited on the article of love. That was a theme on which
I never wanted orators; and could I have prevailed upon myself
to profit by the advances that were made, I might have managed my
opportunities so as to have set fortune at defiance for the future.
But I was none of these economists who can sacrifice their hearts
to interested considerations.
"One evening, while I was conversing with three or four of my friends,
my lawyer came in, and told me he had something of consequence to
impart; upon which all the gentlemen but one went away. Then he
gave me to understand, that my suit would immediately come to trial;
and, though he hoped the best, the issue was uncertain. That, if
it should be given against me, the decision would inspire my lord
with fresh spirits to disturb my peace, and, therefore, it would
be convenient for me to retire, until the affair should be brought
to a determination.
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