Eric Pullicate's nameless courtesies to Mr. Possy, with the auricular confirmation received from his plausible remarks to the lady, had, I may safely say, a painful effect on me. I felt for the first time that I stood in the way of the welfare of others; and had I consulted my own feelings, I would have instantly proposed a dissolution of our co-partnery: but a man does not live long in the world, till he discovers that there is something more like chance in the fortunes of men than is quite consistent with philosophy.

On going to the Green, I encountered Mr. Rapier, a friend of Macindoe, who was esteemed a person of no ordinary capacity. He had but one fault, in the eyes of the merchants who knew him—an early disappointment in love, made him determine, without taking any ill-will at the world, to lead a retired life, and to remain free from trade, contented with his paternal patrimony. This was his fault, and for this they condemned him. Often had I heard their animadversions on his alleged apathy, and I was among the number who thought, with respect to him, that it is of no use to possess sharp tools, if we will not or cannot use them.