is condition, abridged the visit, and having conducted his
companion to his own lodgings, expressed his concern at having been the
innocent occasion of his uneasiness, by exposing him to the sight of
Emilia, which he perceived had given him pain. Peregrine, who had by
this time recollected the dictates of his pride, assured him, that he
was very much mistaken in the cause of his disorder, which was no other
than a sudden qualm, to which he had been for some time subject; and to
show him how philosophically he could bear the disdain of Emilia, which,
with all deference to her conduct, he could not help thinking a little
too severe, he desired, as the bridegroom had made preparation for a
private ball in the evening, that he would provide him with an agreeable
partner; in which case he would exhibit undoubted proofs of the
tranquility of his heart. "I was in hopes," answered Godfrey, "of being
able, with the assistance of Sophy, to make up matters between you and
my sister, and for that reason kept her unengaged to any other gentleman
for the night; but since she was so peevishly obstinate, I shall take
care to accommodate you with a very handsome young lady, whose partner
will not be sorry to exchange her for Emilia."

The thoughts of having an opportunity to coquette with another woman,
under the eye of this implacable mistress, supported his spirits during
the ceremony, which put Gauntlet in possession of his heart's desire;
and, by means of this cordial, he found himself so undisturbed at
dinner, though he sat opposite to his fair enemy, that he was able
to pass some occasional jokes upon the new-married couple, with some
appearance of mirth and good-humour. Nor did Emily any otherwise seem
affected by his presence, than by excepting him from the participation
of those genial regards which she distributed to the rest of the
company. This easiness of behaviour on her side reinforced his
resolution, by giving him pretence to call her sensibility in question;
for he could not conceive how any woman of acute feelings could sit
unmoved in presence of a man with whom she had such recent and intimate
connection; not considering that she had much more reason to condemn his
affectation of unconcern, and that her external deportment might, like
his own, be an effort of pride and resentment.

This contest, in point of dissimulation, continued till night, when the
company was paired for dancing, and Peregrine began the ball by wa