This observation our physiognomist meant to turn to some advantage. He therefore set both his wooden and his natural leg in motion, went to the other side of the bridge, and waited there for the meditating youth, to request his alms as if he were a new comer; his stratagem succeeded to admiration. The thoughtful philosopher paid no other attention to the beggar than to put his hand in his pocket, and throw a piece of money into his hat to get rid of him.
A thousand new faces appeared after dinner, but no person spoke to Frank; he grew impatient at the delay, yet hope still directed his attention to every passenger; some one he thought would address him, but every one passed by him without taking notice, and only a few returned his polite greeting. Towards sun-set, the bridge became less and less frequented, and the beggars left it one after another, to return to their respective homes—a deep melancholy took possession of our youth; his hopes were deceived, and the delightful prospect that smiled on him in the morning,