s honour in behalf
of his love. He swore, with many imprecations, that although her heart
was surrendered to him at discretion, there was a principle within him,
which would never allow him to injure such innocence and beauty; and the
transports of his passion had, upon this occasion so far overshot his
purpose, that if she had demanded an explanation while he was thus
agitated, he would have engaged himself to her wish by such ties as
he could not break with any regard to his reputation. But from such
expostulation she was deterred, partly by pride, and partly by the
dread of finding herself mistaken in such an interesting conjecture.
She therefore enjoyed the present flattering appearance of her fate, was
prevailed upon to accept the jewels which he purchased with part of his
winning at Bath, and, with the most enchanting condescension, submitted
to a warm embrace when he took his leave, after having obtained
permission to visit her as often as his inclination and convenience
would permit.

In his return to his own lodgings, he was buoyed up with his success to
an extravagance of hope, already congratulated himself upon his triumph
over Emilia's virtue, and began to project future conquests among the
most dignified characters of the female sex. But his attention was not
at all dissipated by these vain reflections; he resolved to concentrate
the whole exertion of his soul upon the execution of his present plan,
desisted, in the meantime, from all other schemes of pleasure, interest,
and ambition, and took lodgings in the city, for the more commodious
accomplishment of his purpose. While our lover's imagination was thus
agreeably regaled, his mistress did not enjoy her expectations without
the intervention of doubts and anxiety. His silence, touching the
final aim of his addresses, was a mystery on which she was afraid of
exercising her sagacity; and her uncle tormented her with inquiries into
the circumstances of Peregrine's professions and deportment. Rather than
give this relation the least cause for suspicion, which must have cut
off all intercourse betwixt her and her admirer, she said everything
which she thought would satisfy his care and concern for her welfare;
and, in consequence of such representation, she enjoyed, without
reserve, the company of our adventurer, who prosecuted his plan with
surprising eagerness and perseverance.

CHAPTER LXXVI.

He prevails upon Emilia to accompany him to a Masquer