beer
abroach in the yard, to which they were invited by the servants, they
saved themselves the trouble and expense of returning to spend the
evening at the public-house, and listed themselves under the banner of
Tom Pipes, who presided as director of this festival.

The news of Peregrine's return being communicated to the parish, the
parson, and three or four neighbouring gentlemen, who were well-wishers
to our hero, immediately repaired to the garrison, in order to pay their
compliments on this happy event, and were detained to supper. An elegant
entertainment was prepared by the direction of Miss Julia, who was an
excellent housewife; and the commodore was so invigorated with joy, that
he seemed to have renewed his age. Among those who honoured the occasion
with their presence, was Mr. Clover, the young gentleman that made his
addresses to Peregrine's sister. His heart was so big with his passion,
that, while the rest of the company were engrossed by their cups,
he seized an opportunity of our hero's being detached from the
conversation, and, in the impatience of his love, conjured him to
consent to his happiness; protesting, that he would comply with any
terms of settlement that a man of his fortune could embrace, in favour
of a young lady who was absolute mistress of his affection.

Our youth thanked him very politely for his favourable sentiments and
honourable intention towards his sister, and told him, that at present
he saw no reason to obstruct his desire; that he would consult Julia's
own inclinations, and confer with him about the means of gratifying his
wish; but, in the meantime, begged to be excused from discussing any
point of such importance to them both. Reminding him of the jovial
purpose on which they were happily met, he promoted such a quick
circulation of the bottle, that their mirth grew noisy and obstreperous;
they broke forth into repeated peals of laughter, without any previous
incitement except that of claret. These explosions were succeeded by
Bacchanalian songs, in which the old gentleman himself attempted to
bear a share; the sedate governor snapped time with his fingers, and the
parish priest assisted in the chorus with a most expressive nakedness
of countenance. Before midnight they were almost all pinned to their
chairs, as if they had been fixed by the power of enchantment; and, what
rendered the confinement still more unfortunate, every servant in the
house was in the same situation