"Nothing, at present, sir;" and
turned about upon his heel. "Well," said I, "you where I am to be found
at any time." His companions stared at one another, and I returned to
the lady, whose features brightened at my approach, and immediately a
whisper ran through the whole room; after which so many eyes were turned
upon me that I was ready to sink with confusion. When the ball broke up,
I led her to her coach, and, like a true French gallant, would have got
up behind it, in order to protect her from violence on the road, but she
absolutely refused my offer, and expressed her concern that there was
not an empty seat for me within the vehicle.

Next day, in the afternoon, I waited on her at her lodgings, by
permission, in company with Chatter, and was very civilly received by
her mother, with whom she lived. There were a good many fashionable
people present, chiefly young fellows, and immediately after tea, a
couple of card tables were set, at one of which I had the honour to play
with Melinda, who in less than three hours, made shift to plunder me of
eight guineas. I was well enough content to lose a little money with a
good grace, that I might have an opportunity in the meantime to say soft
things, which are still most welcome when attended with good luck; but I
was by no means satisfied of her fair play, a circumstance that
shocked me not a little, and greatly impaired my opinion of her
disinterestedness and delicacy. However, I was resolved to profit
by this behaviour, and treat her in my turn with less ceremony;
accordingly, I laid close siege to her, and, finding her not at all
disgusted with the gross incense I offered, that very night made a
declaration of love in plain terms. She received my addresses with great
gaiety, and pretended to laugh them off, but at the same time treated
me with such particular complacency that I was persuaded I had made
a conquest of her heart, and concluded myself the happiest man alive.
Elevated with these flattering ideas, I sat down again to cards after
supper, and with great cheerfulness suffered myself to be cheated of ten
guineas more.

It was late before I took my leave, after being favoured with a general
invitation; and, when I got into bed, the adventures of the day
hindered me from sleeping. Sometimes I pleased myself with the hopes of
possessing a fine woman with ten thousand pounds; then I would ruminate
on the character I had heard of her from Banter, and compare it wi