We have had some further examples of the doltish credulity
of tradespeople, in the account of the soi-disant Mr. Wemyss's frauds. He walks into a writing-desk-maker's shop, and asks " if Mr. Corfield was not in the habit of doing business for the Earl Wemyss ? when they replied In the affirmative. lie then said, ' I am right ; I am son to his Lordship, and am in want of a dressing-case and other articles.' He then looked out a very handsome selection of goods, which was offered to be sent ; when he said, ' Don't trouble yourself; I will take them.' He then handed them a handsome pink card, on which was engraved Mr. William Wemyss, Woodland Cottage, Regent's Park,' and said he was in treaty with a nobleman fur the purchase of the cottage.' On the goods being handed to him, he drove away."
This is the usual species of confidence, the success of which strikes us as so perfectly amazing. What gentleman would ever think of communicating to persons serving in a shop the circum- stance of his being in treaty for the purchase of the house in which lie resides ? Confidences of this kind are generally peculiar to the vulgar. Travel in a stage-coach, and we will answer for it that the lowest person in the party gives a full and particular account of his or her affairs, objects, desires, and circumstances. The habit of good breeding, and the modesty of propriety, compel re- serve about one's self and one's affairs, which should not be sup- posed of sufficient interest for the ears of strangers.
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