of every description, one after another coming to take their usual stations in a place so favourable to their calling. They soon began to work upon the compassion of passengers; and the first of this ragged regiment, who implored Frank’s charity, was an old veteran, bearing his military honour of a wooden leg, having left the other behind him for his country’s service. As the reward of his valour, he was permitted to beg wherever he chose; and as he was a good physiognomist, versed in a knowledge of the human heart expressed in the lines of the face, he applied it with such success, that he seldom solicited alms in vain. He was not deceived with Frank on this occasion; for the latter, in the joy of his heart, flung him a silver piece, as much as sixpence, into his hat.
For some time Frank did not expect to see much company, besides the lower classes, passing over the bridge; the more rich and indolent still enjoying their morning slumbers. He imagined that his benefactor must, of course, belong to the wealthier class, and took no notice of the rest of the passengers, until, the courts of justice being opened, the lawyers and magistrates should proceed in their full dress to the Council, and the rich merchants to the Exchange. Then he began to grow very anxious, and peered into the faces of all the most respectably-dressed people who passed by. But hour after hour
