she had retired the night before from our company. I could
scarce believe her information, when she recounted her expressions in my
favour, so much more warm and passionate were they than my most sanguine
hopes had presaged; and was particularly pleased to hear that she
approved of my behaviour to her brother after she withdrew. Transported
at the news of my happiness, I presented my ring to the messenger as
a testimony of my gratitude and satisfaction; but she was above
such mercenary considerations, and refused my compliment with some
resentment, saying, she was not a little mortified to see my opinion
of her so low and contemptible. I did myself a piece of justice by
explaining my behaviour on this head, and to convince her of my esteem,
promised to be ruled by her directions in the prosecution of the
whole affair, which I had so much at heart, that the repose of my life
depended upon the consequence.

As I fervently wished for another interview, where I might pour out the
effusion of my love without danger of being interrupted, and perhaps
reep some endearing return from the queen of my desires, I implored
her advice and assistance in promoting this event: but she gave me to
understand, that Narcissa would make no precipitate compliances of this
kind, and I would do well to cultivate her brother's acquaintance, in
the course of which I should not want opportunities of removing that
reserve which my mistress thought herself obliged to maintain during the
infancy of our correspondence. In the meantime she promised to tell her
lady that I had endeavoured by presents and persuasions, to prevail upon
her (Miss Williams) to deliver a letter from me, which she had refused
to charge herself with, until she should know Narcissa's sentiments of
the matter; and said, by these means she did not doubt of being able
to open a literary communication between us, which could not fail of
introducing more intimate connections.

I approved of her counsel, and, our appointment being renewed for the
next day, left her with an intent of falling upon some method of being
reconciled to the squire, who, I supposed, would be offended with the
trick we had put upon him. With this view I consulted Freeman, who, from
his knowledge of the foxhunter's disposition, assured me there was no
other method of pacifying him, than that of sacrificing ourselves for
one night to an equal match with him in drinking. This expedient I found
myself necessitate