On
sitting down, he does not throw off nor at all disturb the cloak. Eying
him more closely, one discerns that he has no shirt-collar, and that what
little is visible of his shirt-bosom seems not to be of to-day nor of
yesterday,--perhaps not even of the day before. His manner is not very
good; nevertheless, he is a coxcomb and a jackanapes. He avers himself a
naturalized citizen of America, where he has been tutor in several
families of distinction, and has been treated like a son. He left
America on account of his health, and came near being tutor in the Duke
of Norfolk's family, but failed for lack of testimonials; he is
exceedingly capable and accomplished, but reduced in funds, and wants
employment here, of the means of returning to America, where he intends
to take a situation under government, which he is sure of obtaining. He
mentioned a quarrel which he had recently had with an Englishman in
behalf of America, and would have fought a duel had such been the custom
of the country. He made the Englishman foam at the mouth, and told him
that he had been twelve years at a military school, and could easily kill
him. I say to him that I see little or no prospect of his getting
employment here, but offer to inquire whether any situation, as clerk or
otherwise, can be obtained for him in a vessel returning to America, and
ask his address. He has no address. Much to my surprise, he takes his
leave without requesting pecuniary aid, but hints that he shall call
again.
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