their skulls,
at the rate of vive shillings a head, and offered him three shillings a
piece to furnish each with a handsome pair of shoes and stockings: but
the rascal, thinking I must have 'em done at any price after their heads
were covered, haggled with me for four shillings a picture; and zo,
rather than be imposed upon, I turned him off, and shall let 'em stand
as they are, till zome more reasonable brother of the brush comes round
the country."

Pickle commended his resolution, though in his heart, he blessed himself
from such a barbarous Goth; and, after they had despatched two or three
bottles of his beer, they proceeded on their journey, and arrived in
town about eleven at night.

CHAPTER CVI.

He enjoys an interview with Emilia, and makes himself ample Amends for
all the Mortifications of his Life.

Godfrey, who had taken leave of his sister, on pretence of making a
short excursion with Peregrine, whose health required the enjoyment of
fresh air, after his long confinement, sent a message to her, that
same night, announcing his arrival, and giving her notice that he would
breakfast with her next morning; when he and our hero, who had dressed
himself for the purpose, taking a hackney-coach, repaired to her
lodging, and were introduced into a parlour adjoining to that in which
the tea-table was set. Here they had not waited many minutes when they
heard the sound of feet coming downstairs; upon which our hero's heart
began to beat the alarm. He concealed himself behind the screen, by the
direction of his friend, whose ears being saluted with Sophy's voice
from the next room, he flew into it with great ardour, and enjoyed upon
her lips the sweet transports of a meeting so unexpected; for he had
left her in her father's house at Windsor.

Amidst these emotions, he had almost forgotten the situation of
Peregrine; when Emilia, assuming her enchanting air: "Is not this," said
she, "a most provoking scene to a young woman like me, who am doomed
to wear the willow, by the strange caprice of my lover? Upon my word,
brother, you have done me infinite prejudice, in promoting this jaunt
with my obstinate correspondent; who, I suppose, is so ravished with
this transient glimpse of liberty, that he will never be persuaded
to incur unnecessary confinement for the future."--"My dear sister,"
replied the captain tauntingly, "your own pride set him the example; so
you must e'en stand to the consequence of his imit