t his
loss would be amply rewarded by his honour, to whom he was next day
introduced by this nobleman, in the warmest style of recommendation. The
minister, who was a pattern of complaisance, received him with the
most engaging affability; thanked him very kindly for his endeavours
to support and strengthen the interest of the administration; and
faithfully promised to lay hold on the first opportunity to express the
sense he had of his zeal and attachment; desiring to see him often at
his levee, that, in the multiplicity of business, he might not be in
danger of forgetting his services and desert.

CHAPTER XC.

Peregrine commences Minister's Dependant--Meets by Accident with Mrs.
Gauntlet--And descends gradually in the Condition of Life.

This reception, favourable as it was, did not please Peregrine, who had
too much discernment to be cajoled with general promises, at a time
when he thought himself entitled to the most particular assurance. He
accordingly signified his disgust to his introductor, giving him
to understand, that he had laid his account with being chosen
representative of one of those boroughs for which he had been
sacrificed. His lordship agreed to the reasonableness of his
expectation, observing, however, that he could not suppose the minister
would enter upon business with him on his first visit; and that it
would be time enough at his next audience to communicate his demand.
Notwithstanding this remonstrance, our hero continued to indulge his
suspicion and chagrin, and even made a point of it with his patron, that
his lordship should next day make application on his behalf, lest the
two seats should be filled up, on pretence of his inclinations being
unknown. 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 mini