the gentleman seemed so reasonable in his
concessions, that she began to think her cousin was in the wrong, and
felt herself disposed to act as umpire in the dispute.

Overjoyed at this condescension, Mr. Pickle thanked her in the most
rapturous terms, and, in the transport of his expectation, kissed the
hand of his kind mediatrix--a circumstance which had a remarkable effect
on the countenance of Emilia, who did not seem to relish the warmth of
his acknowledgment.

After many supplications on one hand, and pressing remonstrances on the
other, she yielded at length, and, turning to her lover while her face
was overspread with blushes,--"Well, sir," said she, "supposing I were
to put the difference on that issue, how could you excuse the ridiculous
letter which you sent to me from Winchester?" This expostulation
introduced a discussion of the whole affair, in which all the
circumstances were canvassed; and Emilia still affirmed, with great
heat, that the letter must have been calculated to affront her; for she
could not suppose the author was so weak as to design it for any other
purpose.

Peregrine, who still retained in his memory the substance of this
unlucky epistle, as well as the verses which were inclosed, could
recollect no particular expression which could have justly given the
least umbrage; and therefore, in the agonies of perplexity, begged
that the whole might be submitted to the judgment of Miss Sophy, and
faithfully promised to stand to her award. In short, this proposal was,
with seeming reluctance, embraced by Emilia, and an appointment made to
meet next day in the place, whither both parties were desired to come
provided with their credentials, according to which definitive sentence
would be pronounced.

Our lover, having succeeded thus far, overwhelmed Sophy with
acknowledgments on account of her generous mediation; and in the course
of their walk, which Emilia was now in no hurry to conclude, whispered
a great many tender protestations in the ear of his mistress, who
nevertheless continued to act upon the reserve, until her doubts should
be more fully resolved.

Mr. Pickle, having found means to amuse them in the fields till the
twilight, was obliged to wish them good even, after having obtained a
solemn repetition of their promise to meet him at the appointed time
and place, and then retreated to his apartment, where he spent the whole
night in various conjectures on the subject of the letter,