But for once I let him enjoy the fruits of his dexterity without question or control, resolved however to chastise his insolence at a more convenient opportunity.

Mr.Slyboot, guessing I was a stranger, asked if I had been lately in France?
and when I answered in the affirmative, inquired if I had seen the Luxembourg Gallery?
I told him I had considered it more than once with great attention: upon this a conversion ensued, in which I discovered him to be a painter.
While we were discoursing upon the particulars of this famous performance, I overheard Banter ask Dr.Wagtail, where he had picked up this Mr.Random.To which question the physician answered, "Upon my word, a mighty pretty sort of a gentleman--a man of fortune, sir--he has made the grand tour, and seen the best company in Europe, air." "What, he told you so, I suppose ?" said the other: "I take him to be neither more nor less than a French valet-de-chambre." "O barbarous, barbarous!" cried the doctor; "this is actually, upon my word, altogether unaccountable.

I know all his family perfectly well, sir; he is of the Randoms of the north--a very ancient house sir, and a distant relation of mine." I was extremely nettled at the conjecture of Mr.Banter, and began to entertain a very indifferent opinion of my company in general; but, as I might possibly by their means acquire a more extensive and agreeable acquaintance, I determined to bear these little mortifications as long as I could without injuring the dignity of my character.

After having talked for some time on the weather, plays, politics, and other coffee-house subjects, it was proposed that we should spend the evening at a noted tavern in the neighbourhood, whither we repaired in a body.
Having taken possession of a room, called for French wine, and bespoke supper, the glass went about pretty freely, and the characters of my associates opened upon me more and more.

It soon appeared that the doctor was entertained as butt for the painter and player to exercise their wit upon, for the diversion of the company.