mpliments were
passed, took the opportunity, on inquiring after the health of the
commodore, to tell Peregrine, that, while he tarried at the garrison,
on his return from Dover, the subject of the conversation, one night,
happening to turn on our hero's passion, the old gentleman had expressed
his concern about that affair; and, among other observations, said,
he supposed the object of his love was some paltry hussy, whom he had
picked up when he was a boy at school. Upon which, Mr. Hatchway assured
him, that she was a young woman of as good a family as any in the
county; and, after having prepossessed him in her favour, ventured,
out of the zeal of his friendship, to tell who she was. Wherefore, the
discovery was not to be imputed to any other cause; and he hoped Mr.
Pickle would acquit him of all share in the transaction.

Peregrine was very well pleased to be thus undeceived; his countenance
immediately cleared up, the formality of his behaviour relaxed into
his usual familiarity; he asked pardon for his unmannerly neglect of
Godfrey's letter, which he protested, was not owing to any disregard,
or abatement of friendship, but to a hurry of youthful engagements, in
consequence of which he had procrastinated his answer from time to time,
until he was ready to return in person.

The young soldier was contented with this apology and, as Pickle's
intention, with respect to his sister, was still dubious and undeclared,
he did not think it was incumbent upon him, as yet, to express any
resentment on that score; but was wise enough to foresee, that the
renewal of his intimacy with our young gentleman might be the means of
reviving that flame which had been dissipated by a variety of new
ideas. With those sentiments, he laid aside all reserve, and their
communication resumed its former channel. Peregrine made him acquainted
with all the adventures in which he had been engaged since their
parting; and he, with the same confidence, related the remarkable
incidents of his own fate; among other things, giving him to understand,
that, upon obtaining a commission in the army, the father of his dear
Sophy, without once inquiring about the occasion of his promotion, had
not only favoured him with his countenance in a much greater degree than
heretofore, but also contributed his interest, and even promised the
assistance of his purse, in procuring for him a lieutenancy, which he
was then soliciting with all his power; whereas, if he