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 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 this 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.
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