ut if I could without inconvenience call
again, he would undertake in one hour to procure me a selection
from his working-jeweller, to whom he would immediately
despatch a messenger. I affected to feel somewhat disappointed;
but, looking at my watch, after a moment's reflection, I said,
'Well, Mr. Bilger, I have an appointment at the Cannon
coffee-house, which requires my attendance, and if you will,
without fail, have the articles ready, I may probably look in a
little after six.' This he promised faithfully to do, declaring
how much he felt obliged by my condescension; and I sauntered
out of the shop, Mr. Bilger attending me in the most obsequious
manner to the outer door. After walking a short distance,
Bromley tapped me on the shoulder, and inquired what conduct I
meant next to pursue; for he had viewed my proceedings through
a glass-door in the shop, and saw that I had not executed my
grand design. I related to Bromley the result of my
conversation with Mr. Bilger, and added that I meant to retire
to the nearest public-house, where we could enjoy a pipe and a
glass of negus, until the expiration of the hour to which I had
limited myself. We accordingly regaled ourselves at a very snug
house, nearly opposite Bilger's, until about half after six,
when I again repaired to the scene of action, leaving Bromley,
as at first, posted at the door. Mr. Bilger received me with
increased respect, and producing a small card box, expressed
his sorrow that his workman had only been enabled to send three
rings for my inspection, but that if they were not to my taste,
he should feel honoured and obliged in taking my directions for
having one made, and flattered himself he should execute the
order to my satisfaction. I proceeded to examine the rings he
produced, one of which was marked sixteen guineas, another nine
guineas, and the third six guineas. They were all extremely
beautiful; but I affected to consider them as too paltry,
telling Mr. Bilger that I wanted one to present to a lady, and
that I wished to have a ring of greater value than the whole
three put together, as a few guineas would not be an object in
the price. Mr. Bilger's son, who was also his partner, now
joined us, and was desired by his father to sketch a draught in
pencil of some f