was from a man of fortune and of interest, one who had power to prop him in his political system, the case was alter'd, and no civility could be too great towards a man so strongly recommended by him. The generous Heartwell (knowing Philip's proud soul would not suffer him to profit by any further kindness from the baronet), gave the letter in question as one from himself, superscribing it with his own hand. This friendly artifice deeply affected Travers; he strongly felt the goodness of both, and, in his next epistle to his tutor, he accompanied his acknowlegements to him with thanks to his former patron. CHAPTER XIV. No more, thus brooding o'er yon heap, Still unenjoy'd the present store, Cease, then, on trash thy hopes to bind, JOHNSON. TRAVERS was punctual to his hour of appointment with the Earl of Maskwell, and found a motley group; such as striplings infirm through age, and young ladies who were grandmothers. The earl's attention was particularly directed to our hero; and, when they adjourn'd to the dining-parlour, he placed him on the right of the countess, who supplied him with many a tit-bit-his son and heir, Lord Vulture, chatted on the topics of the day with him, and Lady Helen (the elder daughter) ogled him, during the time they were at table. "Who's for the spring meeting?" cried a sprig of fashion. "I'll bet five to four, Silvertail against any one horse, at Newmarket; or take the same odds against the field. Gulley against Gregson for what you dare say done for. What say you, Mr. Travers-will you be a customer?" "Mr. Travers is new to the town-amere novice in these affairs," said Vulture. "Those are the only one's to catch betting. A novice! let him keep you company, he'll not remain so long, Bobyou've been in many a good thing." Then, sinking his voice-" What, he's a greenhorn! Pigeon him he has no business here, if he can't take a joke-mum !-you understand me.-Pray, Lady Helen, have you been riding, this morning?" "Not she," said the countess, who took on herself to answer; "poor timid girl! she is not fit to risk herself on horseback," "La! mamma!" interrupted Helen, "how can you talk such nonsense?--Indeed, Stanley, my ma would persuade me I am not fit for any thing-but I know what I am fit for, better than she can tell me.By the bye, who votes for the Opera, this evening? 'Tis a horrid bore, to be sure; but Grassini sings, and she may be endured." "Because she is a foreigner!" said an old gentleman, who sat at the lower end of the table. 6c Nothing goes down, now-adays, that's home manufacture; but, rot me if I would not rather hear Billington sing Sweet Bird,' or Incledon The Storm,' than all the Squallinis that have ever been imported!" "You have an odd taste, Mr. Cynic," observed Lady Helen. "Yes; and so has join'd he. your ladyship," re "Your society sha' n't keep me from the Opera-House, take my word," she made answer with a very loud laugh. "Mr. Travers, will you do myself and sister the favor to escort us?" "With pleasure; but you'll find me a very unskilful pilot, on the fashionable ocean -having never been in a theatre during my life," replied Philip. "Damme!" said Stanley, in a halfwhisper, "Green-horn's the favorite of the day-he'll distance us all with your sister, Bob." The carriage was order'd, and Travers, with Vulture and his sisters, (Helen and Louisa) proceeded to the King's Theatre. The wonder of the first is scarcely to be described:-the extent and architecture of the building the brilliancy of the lights-and, above all, the blaze of female beauty which graced it, rapt him in pleasure. The opera was began some time before their entrance -the harmony of which captivated him; the little pathetic piece of Andromache at the Tomb of Hector" follow'd, and the delightful tones of Grassini had completely charm'd him into an ecstasy-when a loud laugh brought him to himself. "In the name of common sense! what ails you, Mr. Travers?" said Lady Helen. |