Mr. Boothby recommends his daughter. 43

She is now twenty years old; and during that time my grief has been to think that should I die (which is equally the fate of rich and poor), she will be cast on the world without a friend to whom she may look for protection. Sir, you was just now speaking of a young female whom you designed to visit, that you might procure her services for your mistress. I make bold to say, that my daughter would be so well adapted for the situation you have in your mind, that you might search the town through for her better. And, sir, if you would be pleased to recommend her to your mistress (which on my conscience as a gentleman you may safely do), that she may make trial of her duties and provoke judgment of her capability, you would not only discharge in full the debt you was pleased to say I had laid you under, but you would make me eternally your obliged humble slave."

This spoken with an air of great gravity, and with a countenance well in keeping with that fatherly solicitude for me which he hinted rather than expressed, (judging by this means its effect would be more impressive), appeared to take Mr. Bracebridge mightily; for stretching out his hand.

he clasped that of Mr. Boothby, while he swore that as nothing gave him greater pleasure than to serve a man of breeding to whom he was vastly obliged, so not only should he take care to recommend Miss Boothby, but protested on his word as a man of nice honour, that she alone should fill the situation, which she would find was not beneath the notice of even a lady of quality.

Concerning Miss Boothby's introduction to Miss Aston, with a description of Dr. Aston's house in Wimpole Street.

IT had been arranged between Mr. Bracebridge

and Mr. Boothby that they should meet next day at a coffee-house at the corner of Spring Garden. Thither Mr. Boothby repaired at the appointed, hour, and found Mr. Bracebridge dawdling over a dish of chocolate, his left hand in a sling, and with him a gentleman dressed in a bag wig, laced ruffles, a coat of paduasoy, and black solitaire. On Mr. Boothby's entrance, Mr. Bracebridge ran forward to embrace him, and presenting him to his companion, "This, sir," says he, "is the gentleman who saved my life last night. His name is Mr. Boothby. Mr. Boothby this is Dr. Aston." Dr. Aston, rising, made a low bow to Mr. Boothby, and tapping a fine enamel'd snuff-box, exclaimed "That after

Mr. Bracebridge he knew no one who would feel more sensible of Mr. Boothby's brave behaviour than himself: though," says he, with a knowing smile at Mr. Bracebridge, “I know not whether Dolly would thank me for putting myself before her in my gratitude."

Mr. Bracebridge then calling the drawer, bade him bring a cup of burnt wine, which being placed before Mr. Boothby, the business of the meeting was opened by Mr. Bracebridge.

"I made you a promise last night, sir, that I would procure the appointment of your daughter to the post of companion to Miss Aston; and that I might not be baulked in my wish to serve you, made shift this morning to be out of bed betimes, and calling on Miss Aston made her acquainted with the debt of gratitude I had incurred, and begged her to aid me in the discharge of it. This she very cheerfully consented to do, by giving me full authority to engage the services of Miss Boothby. Dr. Aston then coming in, we fell to talking the matter fully over, which ended in Dr. Aston begging me to make him acquainted with the preserver of my life."

At this Dr. Aston made Mr. Boothby another

Mr. Boothby and Dr. Aston.

47

low bow, which Mr. Boothby with great solemnity and elegance of manner returned.

"It will be giving Miss Aston and myself," says Dr. Aston, "the greatest happiness, if by carrying out your desires with respect to your daughter, we sufficiently prove ourselves sensible of the obligation you have conferred upon us both by saving Mr. Bracebridge's life. For by doing so, I cannot but say you have been instrumental in prolonging the happiness of Miss Aston, which would have been cut short, together probably with her life, had Mr. Bracebridge fallen by the swords of his assailants."

"I beg, sir," says Mr. Boothby, "you will not rate my service too highly. I did but act as every man of spirit would have acted on a like occasion. And sir, I would add that by receiving my daughter into your house, you lift from my heart a load that hath long weighed down upon it; for I may rest sure she will meet with consideration at your hands, since gratitude always takes its growth from tenderness; and however unworthy I may be of your thanks, 'tis enough for me to receive them to know that I am honoured by the applause of a good and worthy man."