the citizen, he could easily perceive by his behaviour that he was
the confidant of Miss Emily, of whom he was come to ask pardon for the
offence he had given; and did not doubt, if he could be admitted to her
presence, that he should be able to convince her that he had not erred
intentionally, or at least propose such reparation as would effectually
atone for his fault.

To this remonstrance the merchant, without any ceremony or
circumlocution, answered, that though he was ignorant of the nature of
his offence, he was very certain, that it must have been something
very flagrant that could irritate his niece to such a degree, against a
person for whom she had formerly a most particular regard. He owned, she
had declared her intention to renounce his acquaintance for ever, and,
doubtless, she had good reason for so doing; neither would he undertake
to promote an accommodation, unless he would give him full power to
treat on the score of matrimony, which he supposed would be the only
means of evincing his own sincerity, and obtaining Emilia's forgiveness.
Peregrine's pride was kindled by this blunt declaration, which he could
not help considering as the result of a scheme concerted betwixt the
young lady and her uncle, in order to take advantage of his heat. He
therefore replied, with manifest signs of disgust, that he did not
apprehend there was any occasion for a mediator to reconcile the
difference betwixt Emilia and him; and that all he desired was an
opportunity of pleading in his own behalf. The citizen frankly told
him, that, as his niece had expressed an earnest desire of avoiding his
company, he would not put the least constraint upon her inclination;
and, in the meantime, gave him to know, that he was particularly
engaged. Our hero, glowing with indignation at this supercilious
treatment, "I was in the wrong," said he, "to look for good manners so
far on this side of Temple-bar; but you must give me leave to tell you,
sir, that unless I am favoured with an interview with Miss Gauntlet,
I shall conclude that you have actually laid a constraint upon her
inclination, for some sinister purposes of your own."--"Sir," replied
the old gentleman, "you are welcome to make what conclusions shall seem
good unto your own imagination; but pray be so good as to allow me
the privilege of being master in my own house." So saying, he very
complaisantly showed him to the door; and our lover being diffident of
his own temper, as w