lies
of France; but he did not long enjoy that elevation of hope, which had
flattered his imagination. He soon perceived that it would be impossible
to maintain the honourable connections he had made, without engaging
every day at quadrille, or, in other words, losing his money; for every
person of rank, whether male or female, was a professed gamester, who
knew and practised all the finesse of the art, of which he was entirely
ignorant. Besides, he began to find himself a mere novice in French
gallantry, which is supported by an amazing volubility of tongue, and
obsequious and incredible attention to trifles, a surprising faculty
of laughing out of pure complaisance, and a nothingness of conversation
which he could never attain. In short, our hero, who among his own
countrymen would have passed for a sprightly, entertaining fellow, was
considered in the brilliant assemblies of France as a youth of a very
phlegmatic disposition. No wonder, then, that his pride was mortified
at his own want of importance, which he did not fail to ascribe to their
defect in point of judgment and taste. He conceived a disgust at the
mercenary conduct, as well as the shallow intellects, of the ladies; and
after he had spent some months, and a round sum of money, in fruitless
attendance and addresses, he fairly quitted the pursuit, and consoled
himself with the conversation of a merry fille de joie, whose good
graces he acquired by an allowance of twenty louis per month. That he
might the more easily afford this expense, he dismissed his chariot and
French lacquey at the same time.

He then entered himself in a noted academy, in order to finish his
exercises, and contracted an acquaintance with a few sensible people,
whom he distinguished at the coffee-house and ordinary to which he
resorted, and who contributed not a little to the improvement of his
knowledge and taste; for, prejudice apart, it must be owned that France
abounds with men of consummate honour, profound sagacity, and the most
liberal education. From the conversation of such, he obtained a distinct
idea of their government and constitution; and though he could not help
admiring the excellent order and economy of their police, the result of
all his inquiries was self-congratulation on his title to the privileges
of a British subject. Indeed this invaluable birthright was rendered
conspicuous by such flagrant occurrences, which fell every day almost
under his observation, that no