ums which had
been bestowed upon her by the most discerning matrons of the age.

Meanwhile, the infanta herself being rebuked by her benefactor for this
instance of misbehaviour, promised faithfully to keep a stricter
guard for the future over her conduct, and applied herself with great
assiduity to the studies, in which she was assisted by the Swiss, who
gradually lost the freedom of his heart, while she was profiting by his
instruction. In other words, she made a conquest of her preceptor, who
yielding to the instigations of the flesh, chose a proper opportunity
to declare his passion, which was powerfully recommended by his personal
qualifications; and his intentions being honourable, she listened to his
proposals of espousing her in private. In consequence of this agreement,
they made an elopement together; and, being buckled at the Fleet,
consummated their nuptials in private lodgings, by the Seven Dials,
from which the husband next morning sent a letter to our hero begging
forgiveness for the clandestine step he had taken, which he solemnly
protested was not owing to any abatement in his inviolable regard
for his master, whom he should always honour and esteem to his latest
breath, but entirely to the irresistible charms of the young lady,
to whom he was now so happy as to be joined in the silken bonds of
marriage.

Peregrine, though at first offended at his valet's presumption, was,
upon second thoughts, reconciled to the event by which he was delivered
from an encumbrance; for by this time he had performed his frolic,
and began to be tired of his acquisition. He reflected upon the former
fidelity of the Swiss, which had been manifested in a long course of
service and attachment; and, thinking it would be cruelly severe to
abandon him to poverty and distress for one venial trespass, he resolved
to pardon what he had done, and enable him in some shape to provide for
the family which he had entailed upon himself.

With these sentiments, he sent a favourable answer to the delinquent,
desiring to see him as soon as his passion should permit him to leave
the arms of his spouse for an hour or two; and Hadgi, in obedience to
this intimation, repaired immediately to the lodgings of his master,
before whom he appeared with a most penitential aspect. Peregrine,
though he could scarce help laughing at his rueful length of face,
reprimanded him sharply, for his disrespect and ingratitude in taking
that by stealth which he