180 THE GOLD SNUFF-BOX. 



to elicit reciprocal amusement ; and they were, though 

 opposites in every thing, as necessary to each other, as 

 " sheath to sword." 



But there was a circumstance that united the strangers 



and myself directly. My friend, Lord L , had just 



got a majority in the colonel's regiment; and the said 

 colonel and his companion were going that very night to a 

 ball at the dowager's, who then lived in Rutland- square. 



We finished a formidable portion of Page's best* retired 

 to dress, and afterwards set off in a hackney-coach to the 

 scene of our evening's amusement. I was three deep in 

 dancing engagements, and my first partner was already in the 

 room of course I separated from my companions directly, 

 of whom, however, I caught a distant glance as they were 

 formally presented to his aunt, by Lord L . 



It was a crowded ball. I was dancing busily, and how 

 my companions employed themselves, never occasioned me 

 a thought. At last supper was whispered to be on the tapis. 

 Miss Garden and I she was then a very pretty girl had 

 quietly slipped away from the set, to be in readiness for the 

 crush, when we stumbled upon a snug whist-table in an 

 unfrequented corner, and there I discovered my gallant 

 friends actively engaged. 



The unhappy men were partners. They had, moreover, 



been delivered into the hands of the dowager and Mrs. P , 



an antiquated commoner. Both ladies were notorious for 

 extraordinary luck, and a fortunate arrangement of always 

 cutting together. It was further believed, that both were 

 given to the good old rule of winning, honestly if they could 

 but winning. 



It was evident at first sight that the soldiers were no 

 matches for the gentlewomen. The rubber game was on 

 the point of being decided just as we reached the table 

 the soldiers had it by honours, but, by a barefaced revoke, 

 that would have been detected by any but the buzzards 

 they were playing with, the ladies gained the point required, 

 and had their claim allowed. " Supper is served," said 



Mrs. P. , with a satisfactory grin ; " had we not better 



stop, Lady L ?" The gentlemen simultaneously popped 



* A celebrated wine-merchant, some thirty years ago. 



