Page:The London Guide and Stranger's Safeguard.djvu/79

Rh from Oxford, in going home to spend the vacation, took up his residence at a house in the city, totally out of the verge of all gambling. Probably he was induced to adopt that house, as well from its vicinity to the mail-coach office, as its having been the usual residence of his late father in town, and consequently, that the most respectable mercantile gentlemen from the north put up at. Hither, however, he must have been traced; for here, on the very day of his coming, a very dashing blade of the first water, made his appearance, and took up his residence; although he was rather outré cela, yet his driving a stilish gig and commanding a groom, could be no objection to give him the common courtesies of the and. At the first interview with the young gentleman, who had a previous disposition for play, the wily gambler (for so he turned out to be) wormed himself into his esteem by dint of face, a goodly person much beyond the common cut, and the knowledge of several esteemed graduates, from whom he had so lately parted at the university.

"By G—, Sir, you shall dine with me," exclaimed the fine fellow: "four o'clock, say you!" "Make it five. I have two humdrum acquaintance at that hour upon a Yes and No business, so you