or affectation, thanked him for his compliment; and replied, with a
sprightly air, that now they were embarked in one common bottom, they
must club their endeavours to make one another as happy as the nature
of their situation would permit them to be. Encouraged by this frank
intimation, and captivated by her fine black eyes and easy behaviour,
he attached himself to her from that moment; and, in a little time, the
conversation became so particular, that the Capuchin thought proper
to interfere in the discourse in such a manner as gave the youth to
understand that he was there on purpose to superintend her conduct. He
was doubly rejoiced at this discovery, in consequence of which he hoped
to profit in his addresses, not only by the young lady's restraint,
that never fails to operate in behalf of the lover, but also by the
corruptibility of her guardian, whom he did not doubt of rendering
propitious to his cause. Flushed with these expectations, he behaved
with uncommon complacency to the father, who was charmed with the
affability of his carriage, and on the faith of his generosity abated of
his vigilance so much, that our hero carried on his suit without further
molestation; while the painter, in signs and loud bursts of laughter,
conversed with his dulcinea, who was perfectly well versed in these
simple expressions of satisfaction, and had already found means to make
a dangerous invasion upon his heart.

Nor were the governor and physician unemployed, while their friends
interested themselves in this agreeable manner. Jolter no sooner
perceived the Hollander was a Jew, than he entered into an investigation
of the Hebrew tongue, in which he was a connoisseur; and the doctor at
the same time attacked the mendicant on the ridiculous maxims of his
order, together with the impositions of priestcraft in general, which,
he observed, prevailed so much among those who profess the Roman
Catholic religion.

Thus coupled, each committee enjoyed their own conversation apart,
without any danger of encroachment; and all were so intent upon their
several topics, that they scarce allowed themselves a small interval
in viewing the desolation of Menin, as they passed through that ruined
frontier. About twelve o'clock they arrived at Courtray, where the
horses are always changed, and the company halt an hour for refreshment.
Here Peregrine handed his charmer into an apartment, where she was
joined by the other lady; and on pretence of