taking Mrs. Trunnion
to wife; and Jack, being quite tired of the solitary situation of a
bachelor, which nothing but the company of his old commander could have
enabled him to support so long, far from discovering aversion from the
match, observed with an arch smile, that it was not the first time
he had commanded a vessel in the absence of Captain Trunnion; and
therefore, if the widow was willing, he would cheerfully stand by her
helm, and, as he hoped the duty would not be of long continuance, do his
endeavour to steer her safe into port, where the commodore might come on
board, and take charge of her again.

In consequence of this declaration, it was determined that Mr. Hatchway
should make his addresses to Mrs. Trunnion as soon as decency would
permit her to receive them; and Mr. Clover and his wife promised to
exert their influence on his behalf. Meanwhile, Jack was desired to live
at the castle as usual, and assured, that it should be put wholly in his
possession, as soon as he should be able to accomplish this matrimonial
scheme.

When Peregrine had settled all these points to his own satisfaction,
he took leave of all his friends, and, repairing to the great city,
purchased a new chariot and horses, put Pipes and another lacquey into
rich liveries, took elegant lodgings in Pall Mall, and made a most
remarkable appearance among the people of fashion.

It was owing to this equipage, and the gaiety of his personal
deportment, that common fame, which is always a common liar, represented
him as a young gentleman who had just succeeded to an estate of five
thousand pounds per annum, by the death of an uncle; that he was
entitled to an equal fortune at the decease of his own father, exclusive
of two considerable jointures, which would devolve upon him at the
demise of his mother and aunt. This report, false and ridiculous as it
was, he could not find in his heart to contradict. Not but that he was
sorry to find himself so misrepresented; but his vanity would not allow
him to take any step that might diminish his importance in the opinion
of those who courted his acquaintance, on the supposition that his
circumstances were actually as affluent as they were said to be. Nay, so
much was he infatuated by this weakness, that he resolved to encourage
the deception, by living up to the report; and accordingly engaged
in the most expensive parties of pleasure, believing that, before his
present finances should be exhausted,