inted with my sentiments by the expression of
my looks, which I modelled into the character of humanity and love; and
which were answered by her with all the sympathy and approbation I
could desire. But when I began to consider, that, without further
opportunities of improving my success, all the progress I had hitherto
made would not much avail, and that such opportunities could not
be enjoyed without the mother's permission, I concluded it would be
requisite to vanquish her coldness and suspicion by my assiduities and
respectful behaviour on the road; and she would, in all likelihood,
invite me to visit her at Bath, where I did not fear of being able
to cultivate her acquaintance as much as would be necessary to the
accomplishment of my purpose. And indeed accident furnished me with
an opportunity of obliging her so much that she could not, with any
appearance of good manners, forbear to gratify my inclination.

When we arrived at our dining-place, we found all the eatables at the
inn bespoke by a certain nobleman, who had got the start of us and, in
all likelihood, my mistress and her mother must have dined with Duke
Humphrey, had I not exerted myself in their behalf, and bribed the
landlord with a glass of wine to curtail his lordship's entertainment
of a couple of fowls and some bacon, which I sent with my compliments to
the ladies. They accepted my treat with a great many thanks, and desired
I would favour them with my company at dinner, where I amused the old
gentlewoman so successfully, by maintaining a seemingly disinterested
ease in the midst of my civility, that she signified a desire of being
better acquainted, and hoped I would be so kind as to see her sometimes
at Bath. While I enjoyed myself in this manner, the precise lady had the
good fortune to meet with her husband, who was no other than gentleman,
or, in other words, valet-de-chambre, to the very nobleman whose coach
stood at the door. Proud of the interest she had in the house, she
affected to show her power by introducing the captain to her spouse as a
person who had treated her with great civility upon which he was invited
to a share of their dinner; while the poor lawyer, finding himself
utterly abandoned, made application to me, and was through my
intercession admitted into our company. Having satisfied our appetites,
and made ourselves merry at the expense of the person of honour, the
civil captain, and complaisant husband, I did myself the plea