nd Oregan came up in order
to rescue me, with two tatterdemalions, whom he had engaged for that
purpose about the purlieus of St. Giles's. One of them was armed with
a musket that wanted a lock, and another with a rusty broadsword, but
their dress surpassed all description. When he understood I was already
free he made an apology for his abrupt departure, and introduced me to
his two companions: First, to Counsellor Fitzclabber, who, he told me,
was then employed in compiling a history of the kings of Minster,
from Irish manuscripts; and then to his friend Mr. Gahagan, who was a
profound philosopher and politician, and had projected many excellent
schemes for the good of his country. But it seems these literati had
been very ill rewarded for their ingenious labours; for, between them
both, there was but one shirt, and half a pair of breeches. I thanked
them very kindly for their readiness to assist me, and, having offered
my service in my turn, bade them good morrow, desiring Oregan to
accompany me to my lodgings, where he was fitted with decent clothes
from my wardrobe, so much to his satisfaction, that he swore eternal
gratitude and friendship to me, and, at my request, recounted all the
adventures of his life.

In the afternoon, I waited on Melinda, who received me with great
kindness and familiarity, and laughed excessively at my adventure with
the Irishman, to whose wishes she was no stranger, having more than
a dozen letters in her possession, which he had written to her on the
subject of love, and which, for my entertainment, she submitted to
my perusal. Having made ourselves merry at the expense of this poor
admirer, I seized the opportunity of her mother's going out of the room,
and introduced my own passion, which I recommended to her with all
the ardour and eloquence I was master of. I flattered, sighed, swore,
entreated, and acted a thousand extravagancies, in hopes of making
some impression on her heart; but she heard everything I said without
discovering the least emotion; and other company came in before she
would vouchsafe one serious reply. After tea, the cards were brought in
according to custom, and it was my good fortune to have Melinda for my
partner; by which means, instead of losing, I came off with five guineas
clear gain.

I soon became acquainted with a good many people of fashion, and spent
my time in the modish diversions of the town, such as plays, operas,
masquerades, drums, assemblies, a