CHAPTER XLVI Wagtail introduces me to set of fine Gentlemen with whom I spend the Evening at a Tavern-our Conversation-the Characters of my new Companions-the Doctor is roasted-our Issue of our Debauch CHAPTER XLVII Strap communicates to me a conquest he had made of a Chandler's Widow-finds himself miserably mistaken-I go to the Opera- admire Melinda-am cautioned by Banter-go to the Assembly at Hampstead- dance with that young lady-receive an insolent message from Bragwell, whose mettle is soon cooled-am in favour with my Mistress, whom I visit next day, and am bubbled out of eighteen guineas at cards-Strap triumphs at my success, but is astonished at my expense-Banter comes to my lodging, is very sarcastic at my expense, and borrows five guineas from me, as a proof of his friendship CHAPTER XLVIII We repair to the coffee-house, where we overhear a curious dispute between Wagtail and Medlar, which is referred to our decision-the Doctor gives an account of his experiment-Medlar is roasted by Banter at the ordinary-the old gentleman's advice to me CHAPTER XLIX I receive a Challenge-the Consequence of it-the Quarrel being made up, am put in Arrest by the Care and Affection of Strap-but immediately released upon explaining my Affair-the Behaviour of Mr. Oregan and his two Friends-I visit Melinda, whom I divert with an account of the Duel-propose Marriage-she refers the Matter to her Mother, of whom I make a solemn Demand of her Daughter-the old Lady's behaviour-I am discarded--resent their Disdain CHAPTER L I long to be revenged on Melinda-apply to Banter for his Assistance-he contrives a scheme for that purpose-which is put in Execution with great Success-I make an Attempt upon the Heart of Miss Gripewell, but am disappointed-grow melancholy at my Disappointment, and have recourse to the Bottle-receive a Billet-doux-am ravished with the Contents-find myself involved in Intrigue, which I imagined would make my Fortune-am confounded at my mistake, which banishes all Thoughts of Matrimony CHAPTER LI 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