ident.

"His name must be Horatio. We'll discover it in the morning," said John
Paul.

CHAPTER XXIII. LONDON TOWN

But he had not risen when we set out, nor would the illnatured landlord
reveal his name. It mattered little to me, since I desired to forget him
as quickly as possible. For here was one of my own people of quality, a
gentleman who professed to believe what I told him, and yet would do
no more for me than recommend me an inn and a tailor; while a poor
sea-captain, driven from his employment and his home, with no better
reason to put faith in my story, was sharing with me his last penny.
Goble, in truth, had made us pay dearly for our fun with him, and the
hum of the vast unknown fell upon our ears with the question of lodging
still unsettled. The captain was for going to the Star and Garter,
the inn the gentleman had mentioned. I was in favour of seeking a more
modest and less fashionable hostelry.

"Remember that you must keep up your condition, Richard," said John
Paul.

"And if all English gentlemen are like our late friend," I said, "I
would rather stay in a city coffee-house. Remember that you have only
two guineas left after paying for the chaise, and that Mr. Dix may be
out of town."

"And your friends in Arlington Street?" said he.

"May be back in Maryland," said I; and added inwardly,

"God forbid!"

"We shall have twice the chance at the Star and Garter. They will want
a show of gold at a humbler place, and at the Star we may carry matters
with a high hand. Pick out the biggest frigate," he cried, for the tenth
time, at least, "or the most beautiful lady, and it will surprise you,
my lad, to find out how many times you will win."

I know of no feeling of awe to equal that of a stranger approaching for
the first time a huge city. The thought of a human multitude is ever
appalling as that of infinity itself, a human multitude with its
infinity of despairs and joys, disgraces and honours, each small unit
with all the world in its own brain, and all the world out of it! Each
intent upon his own business or pleasure, and striving the while by hook
or crook to keep the ground from slipping beneath his feet. For, if he
falls, God help him!

Yes, here was London, great and pitiless, and the fear of it was upon
our souls as we rode into it that day.

Holland House with its shaded gardens, Kensington Palace with the broad
green acres of parks in front of it stitched by the silver Serpe