“The next advantage
Will we take thoroughly.”
Shakspeare.
That very same worthy magistrate before whom the Hon. Philip Martindale was obliged, as above recorded, to enter into an engagement to keep the peace towards Mr. Isaac Solomons, junior, of St. Mary Axe, in the county of Middlesex, did again cast magisterial eyes on the same person under the style and title of the Right Hon. the Earl of Trimmerstone. Before his lordship and his companions made their appearance before the magistrate, they were perfectly sober, and of course completely mortified. They could not escape without betraying their names, and they hoped, by means of a private hearing, to escape a public exhibition; but as soon as they made their appearance, and the complaint was exhibited against them, the magistrate uttered an exclamation of surprise, and addressed his lordship by name. The secret being thus published, the Right Honorable and his two companions made their peace with justice as soon as possible, and retired. Now, as soon as this event was made public, the Earl of Trimmerstone expected a visit from his caustic and opulent relative, Mr. John Martindale. Nor was he disappointed in the expectation.
His lordship’s town mansion was magnificently furnished: this was owing to the taste of the Countess. Mr. Martindale, who waited some minutes in the drawing-room before his cousin made his appearance, was, when his lordship entered, surveying the apartment with a sneer of contempt.
“Good morrow; I greet you well;” said the old gentleman. “I have called to pay my compliments, and to offer my cordial congratulations on your very providential escape from Bridewell, of which I think that your lordship has been recently in very imminent danger.”
His lordship could not afford to quarrel with his wealthy relative; and therefore, though most deeply mortified by this salutation, he was under the absolute necessity of putting up with it, and preparing himself to expect as much more. It is very painful for a man of rank, who has passed some years beyond the age of boyhood, to be snubbed, schooled, and lectured. There is not one man in a thousand who would put up with it. But so it was that, step by step, this Hon. Earl of Trimmerstone had been entangled in the snares of dependence, and was now unable to extricate himself. He was caught in a net which he had not strength to break or patience to untie.
In a subdued and sheepish tone, he replied to his cousin’s taunts: “I am very sorry, sir, that I was so much off my guard.”