I would favour her with a perusal of my rent-roll.
Notwithstanding the vexation I was under, I could scarce forbear
laughing in her face at the mention of my rent-roll, which was indeed
a severe piece of satire upon my pretensions. I frankly owned I had no
landed estate; and told her that I could not exactly specify the sum I
was master of, until I had regulated my affairs, which were at present
in some disorder; but that I would take an opportunity of satisfying her
on that head very soon.

It was not long before I took my leave, and returned to my lodgings in
a very melancholy mood, persuaded that I had nothing more to expect from
that quarter. I was confirmed in this opinion next day, when I went back
with a view of explaining myself more fully to the old gentlewoman; and
was told by the footman that his ladies were not at home, although I had
seen Melinda through the blinds at a parlour window, as I went up to the
door. Incensed at this affront, I quitted the door without saying one
word, and as I repassed the parlour, bowed to Miss, who still remained
in the same situation, securely screened, as she thought, from my view.

This disappointment gave me more uneasiness on Strap's account than
my own, for I was in no danger of dying for love of Melinda; on the
contrary, the remembrance of my charming Narcissa was a continual check
upon my conscience during the whole course of my addresses; and perhaps
contributed to the bad success of my scheme, by controlling my raptures
and condemning my design.

There was a necessity for informing my companion of everything that
happened to me and I performed this piece of duty in an affected
passion, swearing I would be his pack-horse no longer, and desiring him
to take the management of his affairs into his own hands. This finesse
had the desired effect, for, instead of grumbling over my miscarriage,
Strap was frightened at the passion I feigned, and begged me, for the
love of God, to be appeased; observing that, although we had suffered a
great loss, it was not irreparable; and if Fortune frowned to day, she
might perhaps smile to-morrow. I pretended to acquiesce in his remarks,
praise his equanimity, and promised to improve my misfortune. He, on the
other hand, pretended to be perfectly well satisfied with my conduct,
and conjured me to follow the dictates of my own reflection; but, in
spite of all his affectation, I could perceive his inward affliction,
and his visage sensib