markably negligent in his
dress, that he was scarce distinguishable by his own acquaintance. This
contention of thoughts continued several weeks, at the end of which
the charms of Emilia triumphed over every other consideration. Having
received a supply of money from the commodore, who acted towards him
with great generosity, he ordered Pipes to put up some linen and other
necessaries in a sort of knapsack, which he could conveniently carry;
and, thus attended, set out early one morning on foot for the village
where his charmer lived, at which he arrived before two o'clock in the
afternoon; having chosen this method of travelling that his route might
not be so easily discovered, as it must have been had he hired horses,
or taken a place in the stage-coach.

The first thing he did was to secure a convenient lodging at the inn
where he dined; then he shifted himself, and, according to the direction
he had received, went to the house of Mrs. Gauntlet in a transport of
joyous expectation. As he approached the gate, his agitation increased;
he knocked with impatience and concern, the door opened, and he had
actually asked if Mrs. Gauntlet was at home, before he perceived that
the portress was no other than his dear Emilia. She was not without
emotion at the unexpected sight of her lover, who instantly recognising
his charmer obeyed the irresistible impulse of his love, and caught the
fair creature in his arms. Nor did she seem offended at this forwardness
of behaviour, which might have displeased another of a less open
disposition, or less used to the freedom of a sensible education; but
her natural frankness had been encouraged and improved by the easy and
familiar intercourse in which she had been bred; and therefore, instead
of reprimanding him with a severity of look, she with great good humour
rallied him upon his assurance, which, she observed, was undoubtedly
the effect of his own conscious merit; and conducted him into a parlour,
where he found her mother, who, in very polite terms, expressed her
satisfaction at seeing him within her house.

After tea, Miss Emy proposed an evening walk, which they enjoyed through
a variety of little copses and lawns, watered by a most romantic stream,
that quite enchanted the imagination of Peregrine.

It was late before they returned from this agreeable excursion, and when
our lover wished the ladies good night, Mrs. Gauntlet insisted upon his
staying to supper, and treated him wi