Page:Horrid Mysteries Volume 3.djvu/145

 art of being a peasant amongst country people, an artist amongst artists, and a merchant amongst merchants.

I have never known a man who possessed the different qualities and perfections which compose that art in a more extensive compass than S******i; his temper, which breathed nothing but cheerfulness and affability, appropinquating him to every open physiognomy. He spoke the language of all ranks, knew all their prejudices, their favourite ideas, and peculiar expressions. He could assume almost any shape; and no one could resist his manner, which spoke a language that is generally understood, the language of the heart. My rambling life, and the frequent changes of my situation, had taught me also a little knowledge of man; but whenever I was near him, I was but too sensible that I was obliged to exert all my attention, if I would spoil nothing. He stole almost irresistibly upon every heart; and scarcely a quarter of an hour elapsed before he was