he was well
acquainted with the fashion, I gave him _carte blanche_. When we left
the shop, he said, "Now, my dear Newland, I have given you a proof of
friendship, which no other man in England has had. Your dress will be
the _ne plus ultra_. There are little secrets only known to the
initiated, and Stulz is aware that this time I am in earnest. I am
often asked to do the same for others, and I pretend so to do: but a
wink from me is sufficient, and Stulz dares not dress them. Don't you
want some bijouterie? or have you any at home?"

"I may as well have a few trifles," replied I.

We entered a celebrated jeweller's, and he selected for me to the amount
of about forty pounds. "That will do--never buy much; for it is
necessary to change every three months at least. What is the price of
this chain?"

"It is only fifteen guineas, major."

"Well, I shall take it; but recollect," continued the major, "I tell you
honestly I never shall pay you."

The jeweller smiled, bowed, and laughed; the major threw the chain round
his neck, and we quitted the shop.

"At all events, major, they appear not to believe your word in that
shop."

"My dear fellow, that's their own fault, not mine. I tell them honestly
I never will pay them; and you may depend upon it, I intend most
sacredly to keep my word. I never do pay anybody, for the best of all
possible reasons, I have no money; but then I do them a service--I make
them fashionable, and they know it."

"What debts do you pay then, major?"

"Let me think--that requires consideration. Oh! I pay my washerwoman."

"Don't you pay your debts of honour?"

"Debts of honour! why I'll tell you the truth; for I know that we shall
hunt in couples. If I win I take the money: but if I lose--why then I
forget to pay; and I always tell them so before I sit down to the table.
If they won't believe me, it's not my fault. But what's the hour?
Come, I must make a few calls, and will introduce you."

We sauntered on to Grosvenor Square, knocked, and were admitted into a
large, elegantly-furnished mansion. The footman announced us--"My dear
Lady Maelstrom, allow me the honour of introducing to you my very
particular friend, Mr Newland, consigned to my charge by my Lord
Windermear during his absence. He has just arrived from the Continent,
where he has been making the grand tour."

Her ladyship honoured me with a smile. "By-the-by, major, that reminds
me--do me the favour to com