h attention in the reader, we shall defer it
till another opportunity, when his spirits shall be recruited from the
fatigue of this chapter.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

EXHIBITING AN INTERVIEW, WHICH, IT IS TO BE HOPED, WILL INTEREST THE
CURIOSITY OF THE READER.

The mind of the delicate Aurelia was strangely agitated by the
intelligence which she received with her pocket-book from Dolly.
Confounded as she was by the nature of her situation, she at once
perceived that she could not, with any regard to the dictates of
gratitude, refuse complying with the request of Sir Launcelot; but, in
the first hurry of her emotion, she directed Dolly to beg, in her name,
that she might be excused for wearing a mask at the interview which he
desired, as she had particular reasons, which concerned her peace, for
retaining that disguise. Our adventurer submitted to this preliminary
with a good grace, as he had nothing in view but the injunction of his
order, and the duties of humanity; and he was admitted without further
preamble.

When he entered the room, he could not help being struck with the
presence of Aurelia. Her stature was improved since he had seen her; her
shape was exquisitely formed; and she received him with an air of
dignity, which impressed him with a very sublime idea of her person and
character. She was no less affected at the sight of our adventurer, who,
though cased in armour, appeared with his head uncovered; and the
exercise of travelling had thrown such a glow of health and vivacity on
his features, which were naturally elegant and expressive, that we will
venture to say, there was not in all England a couple that excelled this
amiable pair in personal beauty and accomplishments. Aurelia shone with
all the fabled graces of nymph or goddess; and to Sir Launcelot might be
applied what the divine poet Ariosto says of the Prince Zerbino:

Natura il fece e poi ruppe la stampa
When Nature stamp'd him, she the die destroy'd.

Our adventurer having made his obeisance to this supposed Miss Meadows,
told her, with an air of pleasantry, that although he thought himself
highly honoured in being admitted to her presence, and allowed to pay his
respects to her, as superior beings are adored, unseen; yet his pleasure
would receive a very considerable addition, if she would be pleased to
withdraw that invidious veil, that he might have a glimpse of the
divinity which it concealed. Aurelia immediately took of