without incurring the imputation of seducing
that nobleman's adherents; a charge which, of all others, I would most
carefully avoid. However, I shall always be ready to assist you with my
private advice, as a specimen of which, I now counsel you to insist upon
having another interview with Sir Steady Steerwell himself, that you
may in person explain your pretensions, without any risk of being
misrepresented; and endeavour, if possible, to draw him into some
particular promise, from which he cannot retract, with any regard to
his reputation; for general profession is a necessary armour worn by all
ministers in their own defence, against the importunity of those whom
they will not befriend, and would not disoblige."

This advice was so conformable to his own sentiments, that our
adventurer seized the first opportunity to demand a hearing, and plainly
told his patron, that, if he could not be indulged with that favour, he
should look upon his lordship's influence to be very small, and his
own hopes to be altogether desperate; in which case he was resolved to
dispose of the mortgage, purchase an annuity, and live independent.

CHAPTER XCII.

He is indulged with a second Audience by the Minister, of whose
Sincerity he is convinced--His Pride and Ambition revive, and again are
mortified.

If the young gentleman's money had been in other hands, perhaps the peer
would have been at very little pains, either in gratifying his demand,
or opposing his revenge; but he knew that the sale of the mortgage
could not be effected without an inquiry, to which he did not wish to
be exposed. He, therefore, employed all his interest in procuring the
solicited audience. This being granted, Peregrine, with great warmth and
elocution, expatiated upon the injury his fortune had suffered in the
affair of the borough, for which he had stood candidate; he took notice
of the disappointment he had sustained in the other election, reminded
him of the promises with which he had been amused, and, in conclusion,
desired to know what he had to expect from his favour. The minister
having patiently heard him to an end, replied with a most gracious
aspect, that he was very well informed of his merit and attachment, and
very much disposed to convince him of the regard which he paid to
both; that till of late he did not know the nature of his expectations,
neither had he the power of creating posts for those whom he was
inclined to serve; but if