name of a celebrated performer, who at this time engaged the
whole attention of the town. Master Compton, after expatiating with
great enthusiasm upon the subject, added, "that nothing was so
fashionable as to make great presents to this person, in order to show
the taste and elegance of the giver." He then proposed that, as so many
young gentlemen and ladies were here assembled, they should set an
example, which would do them infinite honour, and probably be followed
throughout the kingdom, of making a little collection among themselves
to buy a piece of plate, or a gold snuff-box, or some other trifle, to
be presented in their name. He added, "that though he could ill-spare
the money (having just laid out six guineas upon a new pair of buckles),
he would contribute a guinea to so excellent a purpose, and that Masters
Mash and Merton would do the same."

This proposal was universally approved of by all the company, and all
but Harry promised to contribute in proportion to their finances. This
Master Mash observing, said, "Well, farmer, and what will you
subscribe?" Harry answered, "that on this occasion he must beg to be
excused, for he had nothing to give." "Here is a pretty fellow!"
answered Mash; "last night we saw him pocket thirty shillings of our
money, which he cheated us out of at Commerce, and now the little stingy
wretch will not contribute half-a-crown, while we are giving away whole
guineas." Upon this Miss Matilda said, in an ironical manner, "that
Master Harry had always an excellent reason to give for his conduct;
and she did not doubt but he could prove to the satisfaction of them
all, that it was more liberal to keep his money in his pocket than to
give it away."

Harry, who was a little nettled at these reflections, answered, "that
though he was not bound to give any reason, he thought he had a very
good one to give; and that was, that he saw no generosity in thus
bestowing money. According to your own account," added he, "the person
you have been talking of gains more than fifty poor families in the
country have to maintain themselves; and therefore, if I had any money
to give away, I should certainly give it to those that want it most."

With these words Harry went out of the room, and the rest of the gentry,
after abusing him very liberally, sat down to cards. But Miss Simmons,
who imagined that there was more in Harry's conduct than he had
explained, excused herself from cards, and took an oppor