rs I
perceived Melinda, who could not more conceal her envy than astonishment
at my success; her curiosity was still more flagrant and tormenting, for
she had never seen Miss Gripewell before; and Chatter, who alone could
give her any satisfaction on that head, was engaged in conversation at
the other end of the room. I observed her impatience, and exulted in her
chagrin; and after my partner was set, took the opportunity of passing
by her to make a slight bow without stopping, which completed my triumph
and her indignation. She changed colour, bridled up, assumed an air of
disdain, and flirted her fan with such a fury, that it went to pieces
in a moment, to the no small entertainment of those who sat near and
observed her.

At length the metamorphosed barber took her out, and acted his part with
such ridiculous extravagance that the mirth of the whole company was
excited at his expense, and his partner was so much ashamed that, before
the country dances began, she retired in great confusion, under pretence
of being taken suddenly ill, and was followed by her gallant, who no
doubt imagined her indisposition was nothing but love; and laid hold of
the occasion of conducting her home, to comfort her, with an assurance
of his entertaining a reciprocal passion. They were no sooner gone than
an inquisitive whisper of "Who is he?" ran round the room; and Chatter
could give them no other intelligence about him than that he was a man
of fortune just returned from his travels. I, who alone was acquainted
with his real quality, affected ignorance well knowing that female
curiosity would not rest satisfied with such a general account, and that
the discovery would proceed with a better grace from anybody than me.

Meanwhile, I was tempted by the richness of the prize to practise upon
Miss Gripewell's heart, but soon found it too well fortified with pride
and indifference to yield to any efforts in my own character, and I
neither would nor could preserve the title I had borrowed longer than
that night.

As I expected, everything came to light next day. The barber, in pure
simplicity of heart, detected himself to Melinda, and discovered the
foundation of his hopes; she sickened at the affront, and was ashamed to
show her face in public for many weeks after this accident. Poor Chatter
found it impossible to justify himself to her satisfaction; was in
utter disgrace with Miss Gripewell, for having imposed me upon her as
a nobleman; a