They do in Spain, Mr. Hickman:  young as well as old, to save their eyes.  —­Have you ever read Prior’s Alma, Mr. Hickman?

I have, Sir—­custom is every thing in nations, as well as with individuals:  I know the meaning of your question—­but ’tis not the English custom.—­

Was you ever in Spain, Mr. Hickman?

No, Sir:  I have been in Holland.

In Holland, Sir?—­Never to France or Italy?—­I was resolved to travel with him into the land of puzzledom.

No, Sir, I cannot say I have, as yet.

That’s a wonder, Sir, when on the continent!

I went on a particular affair:  I was obliged to return soon.

Well, Sir; you was going to read—­pray be pleased to proceed.

Again he took aim, as if his eyes were older than the rest of him; and read, After what is written above, and signed by names and characters of such unquestionable honour—­to be sure, (taking off his eye,) nobody questions the honour of Lord M. nor that of the good Ladies who signed the letter.

I hope, Mr. Hickman, nobody questions mine neither?

If you please, Sir, I will read on.—­I might have been excused signing a name, almost as hateful to myself [you are pleased to say]—­as I know it is to you—­

Well, Mr. Hickman, I must interrupt you at this place.  In what I wrote to Miss Howe, I distinguished the word know.  I had a reason for it.  Miss Howe has been very free with my character.  I have never done her any harm.  I take it very ill of her.  And I hope, Sir, you come in her name to make excuses for it.

Miss Howe, Sir, is a very polite young lady.  She is not accustomed to treat any man’s character unbecomingly.

Then I have the more reason to take it amiss, Mr. Hickman.

Why, Sir, you know the friendship—­

No friendship should warrant such freedoms as Miss Howe has taken with my character.

(I believed he began to wish he had not come near me.  He seemed quite disconcerted.)

Have you not heard Miss Howe treat my name with great—­

Sir, I come not to offend or affront you:  but you know what a love there is between Miss Howe and Miss Harlowe.—­I doubt, Sir, you have not treated Miss Harlowe as so fine a young lady deserved to be treated.  And if love for her friend has made Miss Howe take freedoms, as you call them, a mind not ungenerous, on such an occasion, will rather be sorry for having given the cause, than—­

I know your consequence, Sir!—­but I’d rather have this reproof from a lady than from a gentleman.  I have a great desire to wait upon Miss Howe.  I am persuaded we should soon come to a good understanding.  Generous minds are always of kin.  I know we should agree in every thing.  Pray, Mr. Hickman, be so kind as to introduce me to Miss Howe.

Sir—­I can signify your desire, if you please, to Miss Howe.