isemains to the Lady _Friendly_, he bid the Knight and _Goodland_
adieu; but with a Promise of repeating his Visit at six a-clock in the
Evening on _Twelfth-Day_, to renew the famous and antient Solemnity of
chusing King and Queen; to which Sir _Philip_ before invited him, with a
Design yet unknown to you, I hope.

As soon as he was gone, every one made their Remarks on him, but with
very little or no Difference in all their Figures of him. In short, all
Mankind, had they ever known him, would have universally agreed in this
his Character, That he was an Original; since nothing in Humanity was
ever so vain, so haughty, so profuse, so fond, and so ridiculously
ambitious, as Mr. _Would-be King_. They laugh'd and talk'd about an Hour
longer, and then young _Goodland_ was oblig'd to see _Lucy_ home in his
Coach; tho' he had rather have sat up all Night in the same House with
_Philibella_, I fancy, of whom he took but an unwilling Leave; which was
visible enough to every one there, since they were all acquainted with
his Passion for my fair Friend.

About twelve a-clock on the Day prefix'd, young _Goodland_ came to dine
with Sir _Philip_, whom he found just return'd from Court, in a very
good Humour. On the Sight of _Valentine_, the Knight ran to him, and
embracing him, told him, That he had prevented his Wishes, in coming
thither before he sent for him, as he had just then design'd. The other
return'd, that he therefore hoped he might be of some Service to him, by
so happy a Prevention of his intended Kindness. No doubt (reply'd Sir
_Philip_) the Kindness, I hope, will be to us both; I am assur'd it
will, if you will act according to my Measures. I desire no better
Prescriptions for my Happiness (return'd _Valentine_) than what you
shall please to set down to me: But is it necessary or convenient that I
should know 'em first? It is, (answer'd Sir _Philip_) let us sit, and
you shall understand 'em.--I am very sensible (continu'd he) of your
sincere and honourable Affection and Pretension to my Niece, who,
perhaps, is as dear to me as my own Child could be, had I one; nor am I
ignorant how averse Sir _George_ your Father is to your Marriage with
her, insomuch that I am confident he would disinherit you immediately
upon it, merely for want of a Fortune somewhat proportionable to your
Estate: but I have now contrived the Means to add two or three thousand
Pounds to the five hundred I have design'd to give with her; I mean, if