HISTORY OF PETER PLIANT. (Continued from Vol. LXXIII. page 8.) HEN the seeds of roguishness are

there is nothing better calculated to improve their vegetation, and accelerate their general progress, than the study of the law, which, though undoubtedly a noble structure, contains so many holes and corners, where dishonesty may creep in, that it is too often rendered subservient to the designs of wily kuaves, and converted into any thing but a system of equity. To those needy and hollow-hearted wretches, who delight in feasting upon the miseries of mankind, it opens a wide field of fraud and dissimulation; and little doubt exists, but that many an heart aches by the machinations of those, who deserve to be crushed by the same weapons they so shamefully misuse.

Of the latter denomination was Mr. Spindle, to whose bosom integrity of principle was a perfect stranger. His career from the commencement was marked by a continued scene of cunning duplicity; and though an unskilful dauber, contrived to put so fair a face upon the matter, that he gained his ends without incurring suspicion. Educated in a charity school, where he was distinguished from the rest by his rapa city and meanness, he contrived to insinuate himself into the good graces of his master; through whose interest, in the course of time, he was promoted to the situation of footboy in a lawyer's family. Here he was in his element; and, by unexampled assiduity and obsequiousness, obtained a sitting in the counting-house, where, after a few years' dirty work, managed his matters so well, that on the decease of his employer, he stepped into a share of the business, set up for a great little man, put Esquire to the end of his name, and never felt so happy as when he was kindling the flame of disaffection among his neighbours. An intimacy with Chickweed, who was sometimes under the necessity of applying to him for advice, caused him to offer his services to Sir Lionel Thrifty; and through his instigation the suit was threatened, which now occupied my attention.

Such was the goodly personage to whom Mr. Plausible directed his steps the morning after our arrival; and being admitted, on sending up his name, found him surrounded with papers, leases, and documents of all descripR

tion. The little gentleman, it appears, had heard of our sudden arrival, and not being able to conjecture the reason, felt rather uneasy; but he was too well versed in the chicanery of his profession to demonstrate his fears, and welcomed Mr. Plausible with as much politeness as was natural to him, which was nevertheless at first mixed with a cousequential air and stiff deportment, as if he would have said, “ I am Sir Oracle.”But Mr. Plausible was a lawyer as well as himself; and fixing his penetrating eye upon the countenance of Spindle, with a free and unconcerned air began his questions.

I believe, Sir, you are employed by Sir Lionel Thrifty, to take certain steps for the recovery of a part of an estate which is imagined to be forfeited."

"I am, Sir."

"An unforeseen circumstance for the present renders it impossible."

"The witnesses who attested it?"
"Are not living."

"Then in what manner can you establish a defence?"

"That at present remains a secret; but my object in coming bere was to settle the affair amicably, and prevent, if possible, unnecessary expense on both sides. In short, Mr. Spindle, if a handsome sum, by way of remuneration, was offered you by my client, could you not manage the business so as to relinquish the claim altogether? There are various methods and

Had I the pencil of Hogarth, I would attempt to delineate the features of Spindle, as Mr. Plausible drew to wards the end of his offer. Insulted dignity and wounded pride were the cloaks under which he restrained his real feelings, when, with an apparent surprise at such an unexpected insult, he interrupted him with- SIR!!!"

There was more of the "ludicrous" than the "natural," in the expression

tures.

While Mr Plausible was pursning this method for obtaining information, I had left the manor-house, and, with the intention of visiting all my old friends, walked round the village. Farmer Heartly first crossed my steps, and now, in person, renewed his thanks for my

late assistance. After a little desultory conversation, he mentioned a report that was spreading of Sir Lionel's claim; " but," added he, "as long as Jack Heartley stays in this village, it shall never be. I know Spindle well, and his friend Chickweed; the former once nearly ruined me,—the latter owes me a grudge for renting his cottage; but their designs are not so secret as they imagine. Chickweed drinks, and when a man gives his reason a holiday, folly will tattle. I shall keep a good look out, however; and as I suspect the latter of more than one evil action, hope to entrap him when he is least aware of it. I am now going to survey an estate, which, in a few days, is to be offered for sale. I pass his haunts in my way, and shall be very much disappointed if we are not better acquainted before dight.”

"Thank ye, my honest friend; your kindness shall be repaid."

I passed on, and spent an hour with the various inhabitants whom childhood had endeared to me. The old purblind schoolmistress was in raptures, and, according to custom, launched out into praises of my knowledge when under her tuition; nor was the parish clerk less glad to repeat his tribute. I am sure no two in the place had so good an opinion of my understanding, for i agreed with the former in the superiority of her mode of teaching, and ar

gued with the latter the impropriety of singing the hundredth Psalm in any other key than that of D.

Having completed my range of visits, I turned up the lane, to proceed home, when just as I entered it, Farmer Heartley's daughter came out of the opposite path. Dressed in a neat cottage habit, and a little straw hat tied under her chin with a pink riband, she tripped lightly along the ground; but, on observing me, smiled, and dropping a curt sey, waited till I approached her, and greeted me with "A fine day, Sir."

"It is, indeed, my little rosebud, and you seem to be taking advantage of it." "Our cottage would it bear the name of Content, if idleness inhabited it; besides, my father is so kind, that I should be loath to give him uneasiness by a want of industry."

"Well said; but whither in such a barry?"

“Oh!-I-I-am going to the neighbouring village for my father." Alone, too?"

"No-yes-no I-" replied she, embarrassed and blushing.

Mr. Somers' son William now ap proaching, made known the object of her confusion, I gave her a significant glance, and she blushed still more deeply. On coming up, their mutual confusion betrayed their secret.

"Here William," said 1, laughing, "I resign your mistress; I believe she waits your company for the next village, and as I cannot leave her in better bands, I deliver her up to your charge in safety."

With downcast eye she placed her arm in his, and moved on. A few steps made me turn the corner, and I lost them."

With no trifling exertion of his risible faculties did Mr. Plausible relate his interview with Spindle, as before noticed, "The cunning rogue, doubtless he thinks I take him for as honest a fellow as ever breathed; but I can see through the veil of assurance which be throws over his actions, and will lay any wager that in a very short time he will accept my terms, and capitulate."

A few days passed over without any thing material occurring to elucidate the matter, when one morning we were agreeably surprised by a packet of letters-one for Mr. Plausible, and two for myself. We returned to examine their Contents. Mine 1 found were from Mr. Manning and my cousin Louisa. By the latter I learned that all were well,

that numerous inquiries had been made after me! among others, Sir Edward Courtly and Miss Manning: the former was of a more interesting nature, for by it I learned the probability of Mr. Man ning's taking up a residence near me, as an estate had been advertised, and he had made overtures which were likely to be accepted. A ray of hope flashed across my mind, and I flattered myself with once more meeting the object of: my wishes. He concluded his letter by hoping my journey would prove successful, and that he would certainly call at the manor house in his way to his new purchase.

But Mr. Plausible's communication was of a different nature. He entered. my apartment with it open, and throwing it on the table, asked me smiling if I could divine its meaning. Its contents 1 found as follows:

"A friend advises Mr. Plausible to return immediately to London, lest delay should prove fatal to him, and the circumstance which this letter serves as a warning, take place before his arrival."

"It bears the London post mark,"

"But a village inscription; and if I am not mistaken, some scheme of that little bundle of iniquity Spindle, to get me off the premises; but I'll foil him yet, and with his own weapons."

A violent noise in the court-yard prevented further observation, which, on inquiry, proceeded from the apprehension of Chickweed, for Farmer Heartley had been true to his promise, and in a week from the time he began to watch, had lighted upon his enemy in the very act of poaching on the manor grounds.

Nothing could possibly have happened more opportunely, for as his liberty and pocket were the only considerations that weighed with him, by threatening a goal, and menacing a penalty, we hoped to obtain some clue to unravel the mys tery before us; but the result of his apprehension shall be postponed to the next chapter.

ERRATA in our last.-For "present stem," read"parent stem."

Now as I am not certain whether this title be intended as a mark of contempt or of pity, I shall not cavil about it. If it signify contempt, we must console ourselves with the reflection, that some of the wisest and best of men who have adorned our country, have been educated in it; and that we can safely challenge them to produce brighter and better characters. But, if it be intended as a token of pity, while we feel indebted for their compassion, we conceive they are involved in error; for though they may consider we are ignorant, and comparatively antiquated, in our ideas and habits, we can assure the wiscacres of the present day, that we pily their folly, and compassionate their want of discrimination.

As these Gentlemen profess so much disregard for the Old School, one would suppose that they alone were worthy of notice. Now, Sir, I have heard with some degree of regret, many of our good old-fashioned words and phrases completely scouted, and have listened to a set of new-fangled words and expressions introduced by the New School, to ascertain whether they are better calcu lated to express the same ideas as our old ones: but I cannot perceive the slightest improvement. Though of the Old School, yet I by no means wish you to suppose that I am of opinion perfection is attained in any science or art; on the contray, I believe that we know yet comparatively little of any of them; but there are certain points which cannot be improved, and it is to one of these on which an attempt at improvement has been made, that I propose to address you...

Now I almost despair, Mr. Editor, of converting these gentry, they are too wise in their own conceit to be convinced of error: but I may perhaps prevent others from adopting their opinions. But I bave really hitherto been fighting in the dark; let me therefore state against what I design to level my artillery, I studied, Sir, when young, my native language, according to our most celebrated grammarians; and 1 learnt from them the nature of the superlative degree, and the manner in which it was used: but within these few years a new mode of expression has been adopted, and carried to such an extent, that I am induced to remonstrate against it, through the medium of your widely extended Miscellany..

When I used to meet a friend, and

inquire after his health, his answer was generally, Very well!-or Pretty well, thank God! If he had been ill, and was again becoming convalescent, he was recovering, or he was better.— These, Sir, were epithets we all understood, and they expressed very clear ideas; but when I ask the same question now, instead of these answers (unless it be from one of our poor despised Old School), I receive these, of “ extremely well;" an expression incomprehensible to my understanding, for how can a man be in too good health? And really, Sir, as ** extremes are dangerous," it is obvious that a man in such circumstances should immediately send for his physician, to obtain a prescription for the diminution of his health. If I inquire respecting a friend who has been ill, instead of hearing that he is improving, or that he is restored, I am gravely told that he is very much better. It is with this last expression I am grievously offended; and I wish with all my heart it was in my power to banish it out of all genteel conversation, in the absurd way in which it is now used. In fact, whatever interrogatories i put now to these blades of the New school, I am almost sure to be replied to in this style. If the inquiry regard the state of the weather, there has been rery much rain, or very much snow, or there was very much wind last night. If I speak of politics, with reference, to Parliamentary intelligence, I am told there is very much corruption in the higher, or very much discontent in the lower classes; and that there is very much opposition to the Ministry. If I speak of an individual, I hear that he has very much influence, or very much talent. But after all, the absurdity of the phrase is most apparent in our everyday concerns; thus, to be told on inquiry after a family in distress, that their situation is very much hard: conversing of a notoriously bad man, 1 am told he is very much wicked; and if a man whose character stands high in the world, that he is very much good. Indeed, so great a favourite do these nomeaning words appear to have become, especially in the fashionable world, that it seems to be studiously dragged in on all occasions.

Now, Mr. Editor, as you may perhaps be of the Old School yourself, you may be induced to allow this protest against a foolish innovation on old expressions by the New School. However, to be

candid, I very much despair, of being able to produce very much impression, upon so very much impenetrable materials, and only hope to keep those from adopting this phrase who have very much good sense left, and who, I think, are very likely to be drawn away, by this very much popular phrase, to a very much foolish custom.

.. Before I finish, let me just give another hint to these superlatively correct vise men. I do not know how it is, but I cannot enquire respecting any thing, but I am answered in the superlative, or shali I say hyperbolical degree. Thus, one tells me, that such a work he has lately read, is most astonishing, that it is truly wonderful, most surprising, and goes on commending its contents in the same style. Another will tell me of a most charming and most brilliant display of eloquence he heard at St. Stephen's: while a third will talk of the most sublime and most beautiful ideas he has met with in some old author. Now, I do think Mr. Editor, that a man may give his opinion of things in a reasonable way, without all this extravaganza, from which, in reality, one cannot ascertain what is meant; and I trust this remonstrance will have the desired effect, and that you will shew your antipathy to these reformers, by its insertion; which will oblige

Your Constant Reader, and

ONE OF THE OLD SCHOOL.

THE WANDERER.
Chapter VI..

HE next morning I awoke with

lovely girl I had so lately seem, having no one left to whom the ties of nature should bind her, in a friendless and unprotected state, which strongly resembled my own, excited my sympathy as well as admiration.

Every usual occupation seemed to have lost its interest for me, I sat down to read, and altho' my eyes mechanically followed the words, my mind was too much engaged in contemplating her image, who engrossed all my thoughts to have any share in my studies. 1 threw aside my books, and determined to walk; I had been walking some time, when I found that I had insensibly directed my steps towards the spot which I had been trying to forget.

After considering with myself in every possible light which the subject presented to me, I determined on endeavouring to obtain an introduction, if it was by any means possible; for this purpose, I again called upon the garrulous French woman, and by way of beginning a conversation, which rather embarrassed me, I enquired after the health of the Abbé. She said he was so much better that he expected to be able to attend to his professional duties in a short time: this gave me a hint which I did not hesitate to profit by.—I said that I was very glad to hear it, for that I wished for his assistance in studying the languages, and that I should call the next day, when I hoped to find him recovered, as I said this, the woman smiled as I thought incredulously, but perhaps it was only a sensation of conscious shame at the duplicity with which I felt I was acting. I then asked after oh, Monsieur," said she, feeling at once the drift of my visit and inquiries, "she is very well, and much happier than yesterday, in consequence of the Abbé's recovery.” I now felt, that upon this subject I should have little command of myself, and that this woman, who already seemed to penetrate into my feelings, would know what she at present only guessed. I therefore left a card witha her for the Abbé, and promising to call the next day, I returned home.

I lost no time in repairing the next day, and on inquiring for the Abbé, I was informed that he was sufficiently recovered to sit up, and had desired to see me when I should call. I was shewa to him. He was sitting, supported by pillows, in an easy chair- his figure was small and spare, his features sharp and