upon
a bed in the next room, let him blood immediately, without hesitation,
being always provided with a case of lancets, against all accidents on
the road. To this foresight our hero, in all probability, was indebted
for his life. By virtue of a very copious evacuation, he recovered
the use of his senses; but the complication of fatigues and violent
transports, which he had undergone, brewed up a dangerous fever in his
blood; and, a physician being called from the next market-town, several
days elapsed before he would answer for his life.

CHAPTER LXXIX.

Peregrine sends a Message to Mrs. Gauntlet, who rejects his Proposal--He
repairs to the Garrison.

At length, however, his constitution overcame his disease, though not
before it had in a great measure tamed the fury of his disposition,
and brought him to a serious consideration of his conduct. In this
humiliation of his spirits, he reflected with shame and remorse upon
his treachery to the fair, the innocent Emilia; he remembered his former
sentiments in her favour, as well as the injunctions of his dying uncle;
he recollected his intimacy with her brother, against which he had so
basely sinned; and, revolving all the circumstances of her conduct,
found it so commendable, spirited, and noble, that he deemed her an
object of sufficient dignity to merit his honourable addresses, even
though his duty had not been concerned in this decision. But, obligated
as he was to make reparation to a worthy family, which he had so grossly
injured, he thought he could not manifest his reformation too soon; and,
whenever he found himself able to hold a pen, wrote a letter to Mrs.
Gauntlet, wherein he acknowledged, with many expressions of sorrow and
contrition, that he had acted a part altogether unbecoming a man of
honour, and should never enjoy the least tranquility of mind, until he
should have merited her forgiveness. He protested, that, although his
happiness entirely depended upon the determination of Emilia, he would
even renounce all hope of being blessed with her favour, if she could
point out any other method of making reparation to that amiable young
lady, but by laying his heart and fortune at her feet, and submitting
himself to her pleasure during the remaining part of his life. He
conjured her, therefore, in the most pathetic manner, to pardon him,
in consideration of his sincere repentance, and to use her maternal
influence with her daughter, so as that h