And that I might with the less interruption, take minutes of the expected conversation, I was or-dered to place myself in a large closet adjoining to the said withdrawing-room, from which it was separated by a thin wainscot-partition: but, lest the said Sir Charles should object to the taking of the said minutes, I was directed to conceal myself there till called forth; but to take the said minutes fairly and truly, as, upon occasion, I would make oath to the truth thereof.

About half an hour after nine o’clock, I heard Mr. Bagenhall, with an oath, that denoted, by the voice, eagerness and surprise, say, Sir Charles was come. And immediately a footman entered, and said, “ Sir Charles Grandison!”

Then three or four of the gentlemen spoke toge-ther pretty loud and high: but what they said 1 thought not in my orders to note down. But this is not improper to note: Sir Hargrave said, Give me that pair of pistols, and let him follow me into the garden. By G he shall take one.

No, no! I heard Mr. Merceda say; who being a foreigner, I knew his voice from the rest No, no! That must not be.

And another voice, I believe by the lisp, it was Mr. Jordan’s, say, Let us, Sir Hargrave, hear what a man so gallant has to say for himself. Occasions may arise ajlervcards.

Mr. Bagenhall, whose voice I well knew, said, Damn his blood, if a hair of Sir Charles Grandison’s head should be hurt on this visit.

Do I, d n ye all, said Sir Hargrave, offer any-thing unfair, when 1 would give him the choice of the pistols? What in your own garden! A pretty story, which soever drops! said Mr. Merceda. The devil’s in it, if he may not be forced now to give you the satisfaction of a gentleman elsewhere. Desire Sir Charles (d n his blood, said Sir Har-grave) to come in. And then [as I saw through a knot-hole that I just then, hunting for a crack in the wainscot-partition, discovered] Sir Charles entered; and I saw, that he looked very sedate and cheerful; and he had his sword by his side, though in a morning-dress. And then the conversation began, as follows: Sir Charles. Your servant, Sir Hargrave. Mr. Bagenhall, yours. Your servant, gentlemen.

Mr. Bagenhall. Yours, Sir Charles. You are a man of your word. This gentleman is Mr. Jordan, Sir Charles. This gentleman is Mr. Merceda.

Sir Ch. Mr. Merceda! I have heard of Mr. Merceda. I have been very free, Sir Hargrave, to invite myself to breakfast with you.

Sir Hargrave. Yes, by G . And so you have before now. Have you any-body with you, Sir? If you have, let them walk in. Sir Ch. Nobody, Sir.

Sir Har. These are gentlemen, Sir. They are men of honour. They are mi/ friends.

Sir Ch. They look like gentlemen. I suppose every man a man of honour, till 1 find him other-wise.