uct, could not bear
to see him so roughly handled, especially as he thought his own honour
concerned in the fray; and therefore, quitting his machine, came to the
rescue of his attendant, and charged his adversaries sword in hand.
Two of them no sooner perceived this reinforcement, than they betook
themselves to flight; and Pipes, having twisted the cane out of the
hands of the third, belaboured him so unmercifully, that our hero
thought proper to interpose his authority in his behalf. The common
people stood aghast at this unprecedented boldness of Pickle, who
understanding that the person whose servants he had disciplined was a
general and prince of the blood, went up to the coach, and asked pardon
for what he had done, imputing his own behaviour to his ignorance of
the other's quality. The old nobleman accepted of his apology with great
politeness, thanking him for the trouble he had taken to reform the
manners of his domestics; and guessing from our youth's appearance that
he was some stranger of condition, very courteously invited him into the
coach, on the supposition that they were both going to the opera. Pickle
gladly embraced this opportunity of becoming acquainted with a person
of such rank, and, ordering his own chariot to follow, accompanied
the count to his loge, where he conversed with him during the whole
entertainment.

He soon perceived that Peregrine was not deficient in spirit or sense,
and seemed particularly pleased with his engaging manner and easy
deportment, qualifications for which the English nation is by no means
remarkable in France, and therefore the more conspicuous and agreeable
in the character of our hero, whom the nobleman carried home that same
evening, and introduced to his lady and several persons of fashion who
supped at his house. Peregrine was quite captivated by their affable
behaviour and the vivacity of their discourse; and, after having been
honoured with particular marks of consideration, took his leave, fully
determined to cultivate such a valuable acquaintance.

His vanity suggested, that now the time was come when he should profit
by his talents among the fair sex, on whom he resolved to employ his
utmost art and address. With this view he assiduously engaged in all
parties to which he had access by means of his noble friend, who let
slip no opportunity of gratifying his ambition. He for some time shared
in all his amusements, and was entertained in many of the best fami