before the public, that he obtained, if not a full acknowledgment of
obligation, a promise of doing any thing and every thing in his power
for his friend Buckhurst. Any thing and every thing were indefinite,
unsatisfactory terms; and the commissioner, bold in dealing with the
timid temper of the colonel, though he had been cautious with the
determined character of the uncle, pressed his point--named the living of
Chipping-Friars--showed how well he would be satisfied, and how well he
could represent matters, if the promise were given; and at the same time
made it understood how loudly he could complain, and how disgraceful his
complaints might prove to the Oldborough family, if his son were treated
with ingratitude. The colonel particularly dreaded that he should be
suspected of want of spirit, and that his uncle should have the transaction
laid before him in this improper point of view. He pondered for a few
moments, and the promise for the living of Chipping-Friars was given. The
commissioner, secure of this, next returned to the point with his son, and
absolutely insisted upon his--going into orders. Buckhurst, who had tried
wit and raillery in vain, now tried persuasion and earnest entreaties; but
these were equally fruitless: his father, though an easy, good-natured man,
except where his favourite plans were crossed, was peremptory, and, without
using harsh words, he employed the harshest measures to force his son's
compliance. Buckhurst had contracted some debts at the university, none of
any great consequence, but such as he could not pay immediately.--The bets
he had laid and lost upon High-Blood were also to be provided for; debts
of honour claimed precedency, and must be directly discharged. His father
positively refused to assist him, except upon condition of his compliance
with his wishes; and so far from affording him any means of settling with
his creditors, it has been proved, from the commissioner's _private_
answers to some of their applications, that he not only refused to pay
a farthing for his son, but encouraged the creditors to threaten him in
the strongest manner with the terrors of law and arrest. Thus pressed