"His character is not affected by a propensity so common, unless, indeed, you suppose him to be more a gambler than a gamester, viz.

more acute than unlucky." "God forbid that I should say any such thing," replied Thornton; "you won't catch an old lawyer in such imprudence." "The greater the truth, the greater the libel," said Warburton, with a sneer.
"No," resumed Thornton, "I know nothing against Mr.Tyrrell--nothing! He may be a very good man, and I believe he is; but as a friend, Mr.
Pelham, (and Mr.Thornton grew quite affectionate), I advise you to have as little as possible to do with that sort of people." "Truly," said I, "you have now excited my curiosity.

Nothing, you know, is half so inviting as mystery." Thornton looked as if he had expected a very different reply; and Warburton said, in an abrupt tone--"Whoever enters an unknown road in a fog may easily lose himself." "True," said I; "but that very chance is more agreeable than a road where one knows every tree! Danger and novelty are more to my taste than safety and sameness.

Besides, as I never gamble myself, I can lose nothing by an acquaintance with those who do." Another pause ensued--and, finding I had got all from Mr.Thornton and his uncourteous guest that I was likely to do, I took my hat and my departure.
"I do not know," thought I, "whether I have profited much by this visit.
Let me consider.

In the first place, I have not ascertained why I was put off by Mr.Thornton--for as to his excuse, it could only have availed one day, and had he been anxious for my acquaintance, he would have named another.