dear object of his
most interesting wish. He begged, with the most earnest supplications,
that she would now, in consideration of the cruel absence he must
suffer, give him the consolation which she had hitherto refused; namely,
that of knowing he possessed a place within her heart. The confidante
seconded his request, representing that it was now no time to disguise
her sentiments, when her lover was about to leave the kingdom, and might
be in danger of contracting other connections, unless he was confirmed
in his constancy, by knowing how far he could depend upon her love; and,
in short, she was plied with such irresistible importunities, that
she answered in the utmost confusion, "Though I have avoided literal
acknowledgments, methinks the circumstances of my behaviour might
have convinced Mr. Pickle that I do not regard him as a common
acquaintance."--"My charming Emily," cried the impatient lover, throwing
himself at her feet, "why will you deal out my happiness in such scanty
portions? Why will you thus mince the declaration which would overwhelm
me with pleasure, and cheer my lonely reflection, while I sigh amid
the solitude of separation?" His fair mistress, melted by this image,
replied, with the tears gushing from her eyes, "I'm afraid I shall feel
that separation more severely than you imagine." Transported at this
flattering confession, he pressed her to his breast, and while her head
reclined upon his neck, mingled his tears with hers in great abundance,
breathing the most tender vows of eternal fidelity. The gentle heart
of Sophy could not bear this scene unmoved: she wept with sympathy,
and encouraged the lovers to resign themselves to the will of fate, and
support their spirits with the hope of meeting again on happier terms.
Finally, after mutual promises, exhortations, and endearments, Peregrine
took his leave, his heart being so full that he could scarce pronounce
the word Adieu! and, mounting his horse at the door, set out with Pipes
for the garrison.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Peregrine is overtaken by Mr. Gauntlet, with whom he fights a Duel, and
contracts an intimate Friendship--He arrives at the Garrison, and finds
his Mother as implacable as ever--He is insulted by his Brother Gam,
whose Preceptor he disciplines with a Horsewhip.

In order to expel the melancholy images that took possession of his
fancy, at parting from his mistress, he called in the flattering ideas
of those pleasures he ex