Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/130

 the fox hunter insisted on our spending the evening with such obstinacy, that we were obliged to comply.

Our entertainer resolving to being by times ordered the table to be furnished with liquor and glasses immediately after tea, but we absolutely refused to set in for drinking so soon, and prevailed upon him to pass an hour or two at whist, in which we engaged as soon as Narcissa returned. The savage and I happened to be partners at first, but I played so ill, that he lost all patience, swore bitterly, and threatened to call for wine, if they would not grant him another associate. This desire was gratified, and Narcissa and I were of a side; he won for the same reason that made him lose before; I was satisfied; the time slipping away very agreeably, until we were told that supper was served in another room.

The Squire was enraged to find the evening so unprofitably spent, and wreaked his vengeance on the cards, which he tore, threatening to make us redeem our loss with a large glass and a quick circulation. The wine being strong and heady, I was soon discomposed by the dispatch we had made: Freeman's eyes began to reel, and Bruin himself was elevated into a song, which he uttered with great vociferation. When the second round cam in, I assumed and air of gaiety, telling him the choice spirits at Paris never troubled themselves with glasses, and asked him if he had not