of your interest in not having asked in time, so did our hero attack Heartfree for his giving credit to the count; and, without suffering him to make any answer, proceeded in a torrent of words to overwhelm him with abuse, which, however friendly its intention might be, was scarce to be outdone by an enemy.  By these means Heartfree, who might perhaps otherwise have vented some little concern for that recommendation which Wild had given him to the count, was totally prevented from any such endeavour; and, like an invading prince, when attacked in his own dominions, forced to recal his whole strength to defend himself at home.  This indeed he did so well, by insisting on the figure and outward appearance of the count and his equipage, that Wild at length grew a little more gentle, and with a sigh said, “I confess I have the least reason of all mankind to censure another for an imprudence of this nature, as I am myself the most easy to be imposed upon, and indeed have been so by this count, who, if he be insolvent, hath cheated me of five hundred pounds.  But, for my own part,” said he, “I will not yet despair, nor would I have you.  Many men have found it convenient to retire or abscond for a while, and afterwards have paid their debts, or at least handsomely compounded them.  This I am certain of, should a composition take place, which is the worst I think that can be apprehended, I shall be the only loser; for I shall think myself obliged in honour to repair your loss, even though you must confess it was principally owing to your own folly.  Z—­ds! had I imagined it necessary, I would have cautioned you, but I thought the part of the town where he lived sufficient caution not to trust him.  And such a sum!—–­The devil must have been in you certainly!”

This was a degree of impudence beyond poor Mrs. Heartfree’s imagination.  Though she had before vented the most violent execrations on Wild, she was now thoroughly satisfied of his innocence, and begged him not to insist any longer on what he perceived so deeply affected her husband.  She said trade could not be carried on without credit, and surely he was sufficiently justified in giving it to such a person as the count appeared to be.  Besides, she said, reflections on what was past and irretrievable would be of little service; that their present business was to consider how to prevent the evil consequences which threatened, and first to endeavour to procure her husband his liberty.  “Why doth he not procure bail?” said Wild.  “Alas! sir,” said she, “we have applied to many of our acquaintance in vain; we have met with excuses even where we could least expect them.”  “Not bail!” answered Wild, in a passion; “he shall have bail, if there is any in the world.  It is now very late, but trust me to procure him bail to-morrow morning.”

Mrs. Heartfree received these professions with tears, and told Wild he was a friend indeed.  She then proposed to stay that evening with her husband, but he would not permit her on account of his little family, whom he would not agree to trust to the care of servants in this time of confusion.