with a frown; then, turning to Mr.
Pickle, dropped him a very formal curtsy, seized the other young lady by
the arm, and saying, "Come, cousin Sophy," vanished in a moment.

CHAPTER XXIII.

After sundry unsuccessful Efforts, he finds means to come to an
Explanation with his Mistress; and a Reconciliation ensues.

Peregrine, disconcerted at their sudden disappearance, stood for some
minutes gaping in the street, before he could get the better of his
surprise; and then deliberated with himself whether he should demand
immediate admittance to his mistress, or choose some other method of
application. Piqued at her abrupt behaviour, though pleased with her
spirit, he set his invention to work, in order to contrive some means
of seeing her: and in a fit of musing arrived at the inn, where he found
his companions, whom he had left at the castle-gate. They had already
made inquiry about the ladies; in consequence of which he learnt that
Miss Sophy was daughter of a gentleman in town to which his mistress
was related; that an intimate friendship subsisted between the two
young ladies; that Emilia had lived almost a month with her cousin, and
appeared at the last assembly, where she was universally admired: and
that several young gentlemen of fortune had since that time teased her
with addresses.

Our hero's ambition was flattered, and his passion inflamed with this
intelligence; and he swore within himself that he would not quit the
spot until he should have obtained an undisputed victory over all his
rivals.

That same evening he composed a most eloquent epistle, in which he
earnestly entreated that she would favour him with an opportunity of
vindicating his conduct: but she would neither receive his billet, nor
see his messenger. Balked in this effort, he inclosed it in a new cover
directed by another hand, and ordered Pipes to ride next morning to
London, on purpose to deliver it at the post-office; that coming by such
conveyance she might have no suspicion of the author, and open it before
she should be aware of the deceit.

Three days he waited patiently for the effect of this stratagem, and,
in the afternoon of the fourth, ventured to hazard a formal visit, in
quality of an old acquaintance. But here too he failed in his attempt:
she was indisposed, and could not see company. These obstacles
served only to increase his eagerness: he still adhered to his former
resolution; and his companions, understanding