and agitation. At length
the supposed conversation came to such a pitch of amorous complaisance,
that the husband, quite frantic with his imaginary disgrace, rushed
out of the door crying, "Coming, sir;" but as he was obliged to make a
circuit round one-half of the house, Peregrine had got in by the window
before Tunley arrived in the yard.

According to the feigned intelligence he had received, he ran directly
to the barn, in expectation of making some very extraordinary discovery;
and having employed some minutes in rummaging the straw to no purpose,
returned in a state of distraction to the kitchen, just as his wife
chanced to enter at the other door. The circumstance of her appearance
confirmed him in the opinion that the deed was done. As the disease of
being henpecked was epidemic in the parish, he durst not express the
least hint of his uneasiness to her, but resolved to take vengeance on
the libidinous priest, who he imagined had corrupted the chastity of his
spouse.

The two confederates, in order to be certified that their scheme had
taken effect, as well as to blow up the flame which they had kindled,
called for Tunley, in whose countenance they could easily discern his
confusion. Peregrine, desiring him to sit down and drink a glass with
them, began to interrogate him about his family, and, among other
things, asked him how long he had been married to that handsome wife.
This question, which was put with an arch significance of look, alarmed
the publican, who began to fear that Pickle had overheard his dishonour;
and this suspicion was not at all removed when the lieutenant, with a
sly regard, pronounced "Tunley warn't you noosed by the curate?" "Yes,
is was," replied the landlord, with an eagerness and perplexity of
tone, as if he thought the lieutenant knew that thereby hang a tale: and
Hatchway supported the suspicion by "Nay, as for that matter, the curate
may be a very sufficient man in his way." This transition from his wife
to the curate convinced him that his shame was known to his guests; and,
in the transport of his indignation, he pronounced with great emphasis,
"A sufficient man! Odds heart! I believe they are all wolves in sheep's
clothing. I wish to God I could see the day, master, when there shall
not be a priest, an exciseman, or a custom-house officer in the kingdom.
As for that fellow of a curate, if I do catch him--It don't signify
talking--But, by the Lord!--Gentlemen, my service to you.