nted for his spousals, took his
leave, in order to prepare for the occasion; while Peregrine, with his
friend Hatchway, made a tour among his acquaintance in the country, with
a view of sounding their inclinations touching a project which he had
lately conceived, of offering himself as a candidate for a certain
borough in the neighbourhood, at the ensuing election for members of
parliament.

This scheme, which was suggested to him by one of his quality patrons,
would have succeeded according to his wish, had the election taken place
immediately; but, before that happened, his interest was overbalanced
by some small accidents that will be recorded in the sequel. In the
meantime, he repaired to Windsor on the eve of his friend's marriage,
and understood from Godfrey that it was with the utmost difficulty he
and Sophy could prevail upon his sister to be present at the wedding.
when she was informed that her lover was invited; and that her consent
had not been obtained until they had promised, on the part of Peregrine,
that he should not renew the old topic, nor even speak to her in the
style of a former acquaintance.

Our young gentleman was nettled at this preliminary, to which, however,
he said he would adhere; and so well did he think himself fortified with
pride and resentment, that he resolved to behave towards her with such
indifference, as would, he hoped, mortify her vanity, and thereby
punish her for the implacability of her disposition. Armed with these
sentiments, he was next day introduced by Godfrey to the bride, who
received him with her usual sweetness of temper and affability; and
Emilia being present, he saluted her with a distant bow, which she
acknowledged with a cold courtesy, and an aspect of ice. Though
this deportment confirmed his displeasure, her beauty undermined his
resolution; he thought her charms infinitely improved since their last
parting, and a thousand fond images recurring to his imagination, he
felt his whole soul dissolving into tenderness and love.

In order to banish those dangerous ideas, he endeavoured to enter into a
gay conversation with Sophy, on the subject of the approaching ceremony;
but his tongue performed its office awkwardly, his eyes were attracted
towards Emilia, as if they had been subject to the power of fascination;
in spite of all his efforts, a deep sigh escaped from his bosom, and
his whole appearance indicated anxiety and confusion. The bridegroom,
perceiving h