And yet, instead of this
seeming contradiction counteracting the essentially comic turn of his
mind, the latter is so completely paramount, that it changes every thing
within its reach to its own complexion.--_New Monthly Magazine._

* * * * *

FRAGMENT OF THE NARRATIVE OF A STUDENT AT LAW.

This is a portion of what the writer calls "a series of the most
singular and mysterious events," commenced January 29,1791. It is
perhaps a romance of _real life_, although there is something in it
beyond probability--but nothing impossible. Our _student_ is at first
almost _cut_ by an acquaintance for neglecting to notice him in the
park, when in fact he was not in the park: the hall butler of the Temple
proves by the parchment that he dined there four days of term, when he
was sick, and some distance from town: next he is _cut_ by a second
acquaintance for not recognising him at a masquerade: then a similar
affair occurs with a beautiful girl in ----- square; at the Theatre; and
on the Serpentine. He is next recognised by an old friend at a
gaming-table, who mentions the sale of an estate there for his last
stake, which property our student really had sold, though under
different circumstances; and then rejected by his _chere amie_ for a
slight which he never offered. The last event or link of this mysterious
chain is familiarly narrated as follows:--

In returning one morning from Westminster, as I was passing through one
of those small courts between Essex-street and Norfolk-street, (for of
late I had sought the most retired ways,) I observed that two persons,
of rather mean appearance, seemed to be dogging my footsteps. Uneasy at
this circumstance, I hastened directly on to my chambers. I had,
however, scarcely seated myself, when my servant informed me that two
men wished to speak to me. On being admitted, they told me that they
were officers of the police, and that they had a warrant to arrest me on
a charge of felony. Surprise at the moment prevented my speaking; but as
soon as I recovered myself I offered to accompany them to the
magistrate. He was sitting, and the witnesses being in attendance, my
examination took place immediately. A young man, of gentleman-like
address, swore, that on the preceding evening he had been induced by one
of his friends to visit one of the gambling-houses in the
Haymarket--that he there saw me both playing and betting very
rashly--that I appeared to be losi