rogress in oratory, that, in the
warmth of their hearts, they made me a present yesterday of two hundred
pounds. This is more money than I want, at least for the present; do me
the favour to take half of it as a loan--hear me,' said he, observing
that I was about to interrupt him; 'I have a plan in my head--one of the
prettiest in the world. The sister of my charmer is just arrived from
France; she cannot speak a word of English; and, as Annette and myself
are much engaged in our own matters, we cannot pay her the attention
which we should wish, and which she deserves, for she is a truly
fascinating creature, although somewhat differing from my charmer, having
blue eyes and flaxen hair; whilst, Annette, on the contrary--But I hope
you will shortly see Annette. Now, my plan is this--Take the money,
dress yourself fashionably, and conduct Annette's sister to Bagnigge
Wells.'

'And what should we do at Bagnigge Wells?'

'Do!' said Francis Ardry. 'Dance!'

'But,' said I, 'I scarcely know anything of dancing.'

'Then here's an excellent opportunity of improving yourself. Like most
Frenchwomen, she dances divinely; however, if you object to Bagnigge
Wells and dancing, go to Brighton, and remain there a month or two, at
the end of which time you can return with your mind refreshed and
invigorated, and materials, perhaps, for a tale or novel.'

'I never heard a more foolish, plan,' said I, 'or one less likely to
terminate profitably or satisfactorily. I thank you, however, for your
offer, which is, I daresay, well meant. If I am to escape from my cares
and troubles, and find my mind refreshed and invigorated, I must adopt
other means than conducting a French demoiselle to Brighton or Bagnigge
Wells, defraying the expense by borrowing from a friend.'

CHAPTER XLIX

Singular personage--A large sum--Papa of Rome--We are
Christians--Degenerate Armenians--Roots of Ararat--Regular features.

The Armenian! I frequently saw this individual, availing myself of the
permission which he had given me to call upon him. A truly singular
personage was he, with his love of amassing money, and his nationality so
strong as to be akin to poetry. Many an Armenian I have subsequently
known fond of money-getting, and not destitute of national spirit; but
never another, who, in the midst of his schemes of lucre, was at all
times willing to enter into a conversation on the structure of the Haik
language, or who ever offered m