These suggestions did not at all contribute to the ease of our
adventurer's mind, already ruffled by his disappointment. He cursed
his own folly and extravagance, by which he was reduced to such
an uncomfortable situation. He compared his own conduct with that
of some young gentlemen of his acquaintance, who, while he was
squandering away the best part of his inheritance, had improved
their fortunes, strengthened their interest, and increased their
reputation. He was abandoned by his gaiety and good-humour, his
countenance gradually contracted itself into a representation of
severity and care, he dropped all his amusements and the companions
of his pleasure, and turned his whole attention to the minister,
at whose levees he never failed to appear.
While he thus laboured in the wheel of dependence, with all that
mortification which a youth of his pride and sensibility may be
supposed to feel from such a disagreeable necessity, he one day
heard himself called by name, as he crossed the park; and, turning,
perceived the wife of Captain Gauntlet, with another lady.
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