he would find means to lay himself at her feet, provided
he could visit her with her mother's consent, which he assured her he
would not fail to solicit.

She then gave him to understand that her habitation was about sixteen
miles front Winchester, in a village which she named, and where, as he
could easily collect from her discourse, he would be no unwelcome guest.

In the midst of this communication they were joined by Mrs. Gauntlet,
who received him with great courtesy, thanking him again for his
politeness to Emy at the ball, and anticipated his intention by saying
that she should be very glad to see him at her house, if ever his
occasions should call him that way.

CHAPTER XVIII.

He inquires into the Situation of this young Lady, with whom he is
enamoured--Elopes from School--Is found by the Lieutenant, conveyed to
Winchester, and sends a Letter with a copy of verses to his Mistress.

He was transported with pleasure at this invitation, which he assured
her he should not neglect; and after a little more conversation on
general topics, took his leave of the charming Emilia and her prudent
mamma, who had perceived the first emotions of Mr. Pickle's passion for
her daughter, and been at some pains to inquire about his family and
fortune.

Neither was Peregrine less inquisitive about the situation and pedigree
of his new mistress, who, he learned, was the only daughter of a
field-officer, who died before he had it in his power to make suitable
provision for his children; that the widow lived in a frugal though
decent manner on her pension, assisted by the bounty of her relations;
that the son carried arms as a volunteer in the company which his father
had commanded; and that Emilia had been educated in London, at the
expense of a rich uncle, who was seized with the whim of marrying at the
age of fifty-five; in consequence of which his niece had returned to her
mother, without any visible dependence, except on her own conduct and
qualifications.

This account, though it could not diminish his affection, nevertheless
alarmed his pride; for his warm imagination had exaggerated all his own
prospects; and he began to fear that his passion for Emilia might be
thought to derogate from the dignity of his situation. The struggle
between his interest and love produced a perplexity which had an evident
effect upon his behaviour: he became pensive, solitary, and peevish;
avoided public diversions; and grew so re