hief study had always been, and ever should be, to promote Mr. Pickle's
interest and happiness.

The best part of the night being spent in the circulation of a cheerful
glass, the company broke up; and next morning Peregrine went out with
a view of making his mistress acquainted with his uncle's intention
of sending him out of the kingdom for his improvement, and of saying
everything which he thought necessary for the interest of his love. He
found her at breakfast with her cousin; and, as he was very full of
the subject of his visit, had scarce fixed himself in his seat, when he
brought it upon the carpet, by asking, with a smile, if the ladies had
any commands for Paris? Emilia at this question began to stare, and her
confidant desired to know who was going thither? He no sooner gave
to understand that he himself intended in a short time to visit that
capital, than his mistress with great precipitation wished him a good
journey, and affected to talk with indifference the pleasures he would
enjoy in France; but when he seriously assured Sophy, who asked if he
was in earnest, and his uncle actually insisted upon his making a short
tour, the tears gushed in poor Emilia's eyes, and she was at great pains
to conceal her concern, by observing that the tea was so scalding hot,
as to make her eyes water. This pretext was too thin to impose upon her
lover, or even deceive the observation of her friend Sophy, who, after
breakfast, took an opportunity of quitting the room.

Thus left by themselves, Peregrine imparted to her what he had learnt
of the commodore's intention, without, however, mentioning a syllable
of his being offended at their correspondence; and accompanied his
information with such fervent vows of eternal constancy and solemn
promises of a speedy return, that Emily's heart, which had been invaded
by a suspicion that this scheme of travelling was an effect of her
lover's inconstancy, began to be more at ease; and she could not help
signifying her approbation of his design.

This affair being amicably compromised, he asked how soon she proposed
to set out for her mother's house; and understanding that her departure
was fixed for next day but one, and that her Cousin Sophy intended to
accompany her in her father's chariot, he repeated his intention of
attending her. In the mean time he dismissed the governor and the
lieutenant to the garrison, with his compliments to his aunt and the
commodore, and a faithful pro