st, by which I may rise in the
state, or lay out my wife's fortune in land, and retire to the country
at once?" I gave my opinion without hesitation, that he could not do
better than buy an estate and improve; especially since he had already
seen so much of the world. Then I launched out into the praises of
a country life, as described by the poets whose works I had read. He
seemed to relish my advice, but withal told me, that although he had
seen a great deal of the world both at land and sea, having cruised
three whole months in the Channel, yet he should not be satisfied until
he had visited France, which he proposed to do before he should settle;
and to carry his wife along with him. I had nothing to object to his
proposal; and asked how soon he hoped to be happy. "As to that," he
replied, "nothing obstructs my happiness but the want of a little ready
cash; for you must know, my friend in the city has gone out of town for
a week or two, but I unfortunately missed my pay at Broad Street, by
being detained too long by the dear charmer--but there will be a recall
at Chatham next week, whither the ship's books are sent, and I have
commissioned a friend in that place to receive the money." "If that be
all," said I, "there's no great harm in deferring your marriage a few
days." "Yes, faith, but there is," said he; "you don't know how many
rivals I have, who would take all advantages against me. I would not
balk the impatience of her passion for the world--the least appearance
of coldness or indifference would ruin all; and such offers don't occur
every day."

I acquiesced in this observation, and inquired how he intended to
proceed. At this question he rubbed his chin, and said, "Why, truly, I
must be obliged to some friend or other--do you know nobody that would
lend me a small sum for a day or two?" I assured him, I was such an
utter stranger in London, that I did not believe I could borrow a guinea
if my life depended upon it. "No!" said he, "that's hard--that's hard! I
wish I had anything to pawn--upon my soul, you have got excellent linen
(feeling the sleeve of my shirt); how many shirts of that kind have you
got?" I answered, "Six ruffled, and six plain." At which he testified
great surprise, and declared that no gentleman ought to have more than
four. "How many d'ye think I have got?" continued he; "but this and
another, as I hope to be saved! and I dare say we shall be able to raise
a good sum out of your superflu