160 A PERFECT GENTLEMAN 



my success, and that the pair of horses were at my stables 

 for his inspection and trial. 



He came accordingly — I had the horses put to, and 

 drove them with him some two or three miles ; then gave 

 him the reins, and requested he would drive them him- 

 self. He said he was quite satisfied, and would have 

 them ; he would, with my permission, take up his 

 servant, who he had brought with him, and drive them 

 for another half-hour. So he did, and on his return I 

 asked him to stop to dinner, as the boat did not start for 

 Ryde till seven in the evening. 



Now, my father happening to be at Northampton, and 

 knowing my j^encli ant for things a little in the superlative 

 degree, in gastronomy above all other arts, had sent me 

 a prime saddle of Leicester mutton ; and I had invited 

 the friend I have so often spoken of, and two others as 

 fond of a good dinner as ourselves, to partake of it. 



The "■entleman sat down with us, and made himself 

 very agreeable ; and I made him as welcome as my house 

 and well-stored wine-cellar would admit. While the 

 wine was sroins: round, he took occasion to exhibit a 

 handsome gold chronometer, which two of my visitors, 

 one a considerable silversmith in the town, the other my 

 Avife's brother, who was a good judge of such articles, 

 j)ronounced to be most valuable ; and of course the 

 owner was considered to be a perfect gentleman. AVhen 

 the time arrived he took his departure, telling me he 

 Avould come over in the morning, pay for the horses, and 

 take them away. 



He came according to his word ; and as I fully 

 expected was about to pay for the horses, instead of 



