deprived. This piece of news, exactly
tallying with the last part of the letter I had been honoured with in
the morning, had such an effect on me, that any man except Wagtail might
have observed my emotion; but his attention was too much engrossed by
the contemplation of his own importance to suffer him to be affected
with the deportment of any other body, unless it happened to be so
particular that he could not help taking notice of it.

When I had disengaged myself from him, whose conversation grew insipid
to me, I went home, and made Strap acquainted with the fruit of my
researches. This faithful squire was almost choked with transport, and
even wept with joy; but whether on account of himself or me, I shall not
pretend to determine. Next day a third billet-doux was brought to me,
containing many expressions of tenderness, mingled with some affecting
doubts about the artifice of man, the inconstancy of youth, and the
jealousy often attending the most sincere passion; withal desiring
I would excuse her, if she should try me a little longer, before she
declared herself beyond the power of retracting. These interesting
scruples added fuel to my flame and impatience to my hope; I redoubled
my complaints of her indifference, and pressed her to an assignation
with such fervent entreaties, that in a few days she consented to meet
me at the house of that milliner who had forwarded all my letters.
During the interval between the date of her promise and the hour of
appointment, my pride soared beyond all reason and description; I lost
all remembrance of the gentle Narcissa, and my thoughts were wholly
employed in planning triumphs over the malice and contempt of the world.

At length the happy hour arrived. I flew to the place of rendezvous,
and was conducted into an apartment, where I had not waited ten minutes,
when I heard the rustling of silk, and the sound of feet ascending the
stairs; my heart took the alarm, and beat quick; my cheeks glowed, my
nerves thrilled, and my knees shook with ecstacy! I perceived the door
opening, saw a gold brocade petticoat advance, and sprang forward to
embrace my charmer. Heaven and earth! how shall I paint my situation,
when I found Miss Sparkle converted into a wrinkled hag turned of
seventy! I was struck dumb with amazement, and petrified with horror!
This ancient Urganda, perceived my disorder, and, approaching with a
languishing air, seized my hand, asking in a squeaking tone, if I
w