e not acquainted with his character; and there have
been instances of some of them offering him money as an object of
charity."

~~421~~~ "An admirable tenant for such a place as Fonthill, truly,"
observed Sparkle.--"Why, what the devil will he do with it now he has
got it?"

"Perhaps," said Dashall, "I ought to refer you to the man himself for
an answer to such a question, for I am at a loss to guess; he is now
sixty-five years of age, and still in single blessedness."

"A very enviable situation," remarked Sparkle, "However," continued Tom,
"he has done some good in the world, and may live to do more. He became
a partner in the great agency house in the City, of Basset, Farquhar,
and Co.; besides which, he purchased the late Mr. Whitbread's share in
the brewery. Part of his great wealth was devoted to the purchase of
estates; but the great bulk was invested in stock, and suffered to
increase on compound interest. He is deeply read in ancient and modern
literature, and has a mind of extraordinary vigour and originality;
his conversation of a superior order, impressive and animated on every
subject. His sentiments are liberal, and strangely contrasted with his
habits. His religious opinions are peculiar, and seem to be influenced
by an admiration of the purity of the lives and moral principles of the
Brahmins. It is said that he offered 100,000L. to found a college in
Aberdeen, with a reservation on points of religion; to which, however,
the sanction of the legislature could not be procured, and the plan
was dropped. He has been residing in Gloucester-place, where he
has furnished a house in a style of modern elegance, and, so far
as appearances are concerned, indulges in several luxuries; but his
domestic habits are still the same, and his table seldom labours with
the pressure of heavy dishes. He has one nephew, to whom he allows, or
did allow, 300L. per year; has but few other claims of family; and it
is probable that his immense wealth will be bequeathed to charitable
purposes, as the great object of his ambition is to leave his name to
posterity as the founder of some public institution. To that passion
may, perhaps, be attributed the purchase of Fonthill Abbey; for his age
and infirmities totally unfit him for the enjoyment of such ~~422~~~
a place. He is diminutive in person, and by no means prepossessing in
appearance; his dress has all the qualities of the antique to recommend
it; and his domestic expenditur