e,
to transfer a portion of the spoil into her own private treasury; and
notwithstanding expense, there are those who have given splendid routes
and entertainments, and at the same time, recruited their exhausted
finances, at the sole charges of incautious tradesmen, who
notwithstanding repeated losses, yet absorbed in the love of gain,
become the dupes of avarice and credulity.--In the elucidation of my
remark,--

'If old assertions can't prevail,
Be pleased to hear a modern tale.'

"Not long since," continued Dashall, "an aspiring young limb of the
law, of property, in expectancy (but that is neither here nor there)
and fertile in expedient, contrived to insinuate himself into the
good fellowship of a few bon vivants; and resolving to irradiate with
'surprising glory' the galaxy of fashion, he furnished a house, by
permission of an accommodating upholsterer, in a style of magnificence,
and decorated a side-board with a splendid service of plate, borrowed
auspiciously for the occasion from a respectable silversmith, on a
promise of liberal remuneration and safe return; after effecting the
object of its migration, in dazzling the eyes of his honourable friends
at his projected entertainment.

~187~~ "Amidst the busy 'note of preparation,' the important day at last
arrived; the suite of apartments became thronged with company, and every
one admired the elegance of the furniture; the tasteful ornaments of
the rooms; the brilliancy of the lights and massive construction of the
valuable family plate! In fact every thing conspired to give _eclat_ to
the scene, and confirm the friends of the founder of the feast in their
belief alike of his exquisite judgment and high respectability.

"The silversmith, that he might not appear indelicately obtrusive, let a
few days elapse after this grand gala had taken place, before he applied
for restoration of his property, the borrower congratulated him on his
good fortune, told him, that several friends had very much admired the
plate, and even expressed an intention of ordering similar services; and
that with regard to the borrowed plate, he had taken so strong a fancy
to it, as to feel disposed to become a purchaser, if the price was
reasonable, and an adequate consideration was made for prompt payment.

"The silversmith, who chuckled inwardly at the prospect of extending
his business, and connecting himself with so many 'honourable men,'
gratefully expressed