ashionable to be purblind), perceived his mistress very
plainly dressed, in one of the seats above the stage, talking to another
young woman of a very homely appearance. Though his heart beat the
alarm with the utmost impatience at sight of his Emilia, he was for some
minutes deterred from obeying the impulse of his love, by the presence
of some ladies of fashion, who, he feared, would think the worse of him,
should they see him make his compliment in public to a person of her
figure. Nor would the violence of his inclination have so far prevailed
over his pride, as to lead him thither, had he not recollected, that his
quality friends would look upon her as some handsome Abigail, with whom
he had an affair of gallantry, and of consequence give him credit for
the intrigue.

Encouraged by this suggestion, he complied with the dictates of love,
and flew to the place where his charmer sat. His air and dress were so
remarkable, that it was almost impossible he should have escaped the
eyes of a curious observer, especially as he had chosen a time for
coming in, when his entrance could not fail to attract the notice of the
spectators; I mean, when the whole house was hushed in attention to the
performance on the stage. Emilia, therefore, perceived him at his first
approach; she found herself discovered by the direction of his glass,
and, guessing his intention by his abrupt retreat from the box, summoned
all her fortitude to her aid, and prepared for his reception. He
advanced to her with an air of eagerness and joy, tempered with modesty
and respect, and expressed his satisfaction at seeing her, with a
seeming reverence of regard. Though she was extremely well pleased at
this unexpected behaviour, she suppressed the emotions of her heart, and
answered his compliments with affected ease and unconcern, such as
might denote the good humour of a person who meets by accident with an
indifferent acquaintance. After having certified himself of her own good
health, he very kindly inquired about her mother and Miss Sophy, gave
her to understand that he had lately been favoured with a letter from
Godfrey; that he had actually intended to set out next morning on a
visit to Mrs. Gauntlet, which, now that he was so happy as to meet with
her, he would postpone, until he should have the pleasure of attending
her to the country. After having thanked him for his polite intention,
she told him, that her mother was expected in town in a few days