ent of the company; but I did not think proper to take
any notice of it on this occasion. Mr. Ranter too (who I afterwards
learned was a player) displayed his talents, by mimicking my air,
features, and voice, while he returned my compliment: this feat I should
not have been so sensible of, had I not seen him behave in the same
manner to my friend Wagtail, when he made up to them at first. But for
once I let him enjoy the fruits of his dexterity without question or
control, resolved however to chastise his insolence at a more convenient
opportunity. Mr. Slyboot, guessing I was a stranger, asked if I had been
lately in France? and when I answered in the affirmative, inquired if
I had seen the Luxembourg Gallery? I told him I had considered it more
than once with great attention: upon this a conversion ensued, in which
I discovered him to be a painter.

While we were discoursing upon the particulars of this famous
performance, I overheard Banter ask Dr. Wagtail, where he had picked
up this Mr. Random. To which question the physician answered, "Upon my
word, a mighty pretty sort of a gentleman--a man of fortune, sir--he has
made the grand tour, and seen the best company in Europe, air." "What,
he told you so, I suppose?" said the other: "I take him to be neither
more nor less than a French valet-de-chambre." "O barbarous, barbarous!"
cried the doctor; "this is actually, upon my word, altogether
unaccountable. I know all his family perfectly well, sir; he is of the
Randoms of the north--a very ancient house sir, and a distant relation
of mine." I was extremely nettled at the conjecture of Mr. Banter, and
began to entertain a very indifferent opinion of my company in general;
but, as I might possibly by their means acquire a more extensive and
agreeable acquaintance, I determined to bear these little mortifications
as long as I could without injuring the dignity of my character. After
having talked for some time on the weather, plays, politics, and other
coffee-house subjects, it was proposed that we should spend the evening
at a noted tavern in the neighbourhood, whither we repaired in a body.

Having taken possession of a room, called for French wine, and bespoke
supper, the glass went about pretty freely, and the characters of my
associates opened upon me more and more. It soon appeared that the
doctor was entertained as butt for the painter and player to exercise
their wit upon, for the diversion of the company. Mr. Rant