midnight
Whether the old gentlewoman resented my abrupt departure so much that her love changed into disdain , or was ashamed to see me on account of her infirmity , I know not ; but I was never troubled again with her passion . I cultivate an Acquaintance with two Noblemen -- am introduced to earl Strutwell -- his kind Promise and Invitation -- the Behaviour of his Porter and Lacquey -- he receives me with an Appearance of uncommon Affection -- undertakes to speak in my Behalf to the Minister -- informs me of his Success , and wishes me Joy -- introduces a Conversation about Petronius Arbiter -- falls in Love with my Watch , which I press upon him -- I make a present of a Diamond Ring to Lord Straddle -- impart my good Fortune to Strap and Banter , who disabuses me , to my utter Mortification Baffled hitherto in my matrimonial schemes , I began to question my talents for the science of fortune-hunting , and to bend my thoughts towards some employment under the government . With the view of procuring which , I cultivated the acquaintance of Lords Straddle and Swillpot , whose fathers were men of interest at court . I found these young noblemen as open to my advances as I could desire ; I accompanied them in their midnight rambles , and often dined with them at taverns , where I had the honour of paying the reckoning . I one day took the opportunity , while I was loaded with protestations of friendship , to disclose my desire of being settled in some sinecure , and to solicit their influence in my behalf . Swillpot , squeezing my hand , said , I might depend upon his service by G -- . The other swore that no man would be more proud than he to run my errands .