nister,
signifying, that he had been highly entertained with the manuscript I
had left, a great part of which he had read, but was at present so busy
in contriving a proper dress for a private masquerade, which would
be given that same evening, that he could not have the pleasure of my
company at breakfast. This was a feasible excuse, which I admitted
accordingly, and in a day or two appeared again, when his lordship was
particularly engaged. This might possibly be the case; and therefore I
returned the fourth time, in hopes of finding him more at leisure;
but he had gone out about half an hour before my arrival, and left my
performance with his valet-de-chambre, who assured me, that his lord
had perused it with infinite pleasure. Perhaps I might have retired very
well satisfied with this declaration, had not I, in my passage through
the hall, heard one of the footmen upon the top of the staircase,
pronounce with an audible voice, 'Will your lordship please to be at
home when he calls?' It is not to be supposed that I was pleased at this
discovery, which I no sooner made, than, turning to my conductor, 'I
find,' said I, 'his lordship is disposed to be abroad to more people
than me this morning.' The fellow, though a valet-de-chambre, blushed at
this observation; and I withdrew, not a little irritated at the peer's
disingenuity, and fully resolved to spare him my visits for the future.
It was not long after this occasion, that I happened to meet him in
the park, and being naturally civil, I could not pass him without a
salutation of the hat, which he returned in the most distant manner,
though we were both solitary, and not a soul within view, and when that
very performance, which he had applauded so warmly, was lately published
by subscription, he did not bespeak so much as one copy. I have often
reflected with wonder upon this inconsistency of his conduct. I never
courted his patronage, nor indeed thought of his name, until he
made interest for my acquaintance; and if he was disappointed in my
conversation, why did he press me so much to further connection?"

"The case is very clear," cried the chairman, interrupting him; "he is
one of those connoisseurs who set up for taste, and value themselves
upon knowing all men of genius, whom they would be thought to assist
in their productions. I will lay an even bet with any man, that his
lordship on the strength of that slender interview, together with the
opportunity of havi