should be
the last I would choose for a Husband. I thought (said the good-humour'd
old Knight) that he had already obtain'd a Promise from you, since he
came but just now to ask my Consent, which I freely gave him at first,
upon that Thought; but he is doubtful of your Birth, and fears it may
dishonour his Family, if he should marry you. On my Word, Sir, (return'd
_Peregrina_, blushing with Disdain, no doubt) our Families are by no
Means equal. What thy Family is, I know not; (said Sir _Christian_) but
I am sure thou art infinitely superiour to him in all the natural
Embelishments both of Body and Mind. Be just to thy self, and be not
hasty to wed: Thou hast more Merit than Wealth alone can purchase. O!
dear Sir, (she return'd) you ruin me with Obligations never to be
re-paid, but in Acknowledgment, and that imperfectly too. Here they were
interrupted by the young Lady, to whom she repeated the Conference
betwixt Sir _Christian_ and _Prayfast_, as soon as ever Sir _Christian_
left the Room.

About a Week after, Sir _Lucius Lovewell_, (a young Gentleman, of a good
Presence, Wit, and Learning enough, whose Father, dying near a
Twelve-month before, had left him upwards of 3000_l._ a Year, which,
too, was an excellent Accomplishment, tho' not the best; for he was
admirably good-humour'd) came to visit Sir _Christian Kindly_; and, as
some of the Family imagin'd, 'twas with Design to make his Addresses to
the young Lady, Sir _Christian's_ Daughter. Whatever his Thoughts were,
his Treatment, there, was very generous and kind. He saw the Lady, and
lik'd her very well; nay, doubtless, would have admitted a Passion for
her, had not his Destiny at the same Time shewn him _Peregrina_. She was
very beautiful, and he as sensible; and 'tis not to be doubted, but that
he immediately took Fire. However, his Application and Courtship, free
and unaffected, were chiefly directed to Sir _Christian's_ Daughter:
Some little Respects he paid to _Peregrina_, who could not choose but
look on him as a very fine, good-humour'd, and well-accomplish'd
Gentleman. When the Hour came that he thought fit to retreat, Sir
_Christian_ ask'd him, When he would make 'em happy again in his
Conversation? To which he return'd, That since he was not above seven or
eight Miles from him, and that there were Charms so attractive at Sir
_Christian's_, he should take the Liberty to visit him sooner and
oftener than he either expected or desir'd. T'other reply'd, That