were delivered, begged to know if
any new obstacle was raised, by some late change in his sentiments or
situation. And he, in order to avoid a painful explanation, told
her, that he had long despaired of being able to vanquish Emilia's
resentment, and for that reason quitted the pursuit, which he would
never renew, howsoever his heart might suffer by that resolution; though
he took Heaven to witness, that his love, esteem, and admiration of her,
were not in the least impaired. But the true motive of his laying aside
his design, was the consciousness of his decayed fortune, which, by
adding to the sensibility of his pride, increased the horror of another
repulse. She expressed her concern for this determination, both on his
own account, and in behalf of Emilia, whose happiness, in her opinion,
depended upon his constancy and affection; and she would have questioned
him more minutely about the state of his affairs, had not he discouraged
the inquiry, by seeking to introduce another subject of conversation.

After mutual protestations of friendship and regard, he promised to
visit her often, during her residence in town; and took his leave in a
strange perplexity of mind, occasioned by the images of love, intruding
upon the remonstrances of carking care. He had some time ago forsaken
those extravagant companions with whom he had rioted in the heyday of
his fortune, and begun to consort with a graver and more sober species
of acquaintance. But he now found himself disabled from cultivating
the society of these also, who were men of ample estates and liberal
dispositions; in consequence of which, their parties were too expensive
for the consumptive state of his finances; so that he was obliged to
descend to another degree, and mingle with a set of old bachelors and
younger brothers, who subsisted on slender annuities, or what is called
a bare competency in the public funds. This association was composed of
second-hand politicians and minor critics, who in the forenoon saunter
in the Mall, or lounge at shows of pictures, appear in the drawing-room
once or twice a week, dine at an ordinary, decide disputes in a
coffee-house, with an air of superior intelligence, frequent the pit
of the playhouse, and once in a month spend an evening with some noted
actor, whose remarkable sayings they repeat for the entertainment of
their ordinary friends.

After all, he found something comfortable enough in the company of
these gentlemen, w