g me by the sleeve, bade me take
notice of a lady who sat fronting us, whom I immediately, to my vast
astonishment, distinguished to be Melinda, accompanied by her mother,
and an elderly gentleman, whom I did not know. "Wounds! Mr. Randan,"
cried the squire, "is she not a delicate piece of stuff? 'Sdeath! I have
a good mind--if I thought she was a single person."

Notwithstanding the perplexity I was in, I had reflection enough to
foresee that my passion might suffer greatly by the presence of this
lady, who, in all probability, would revenge herself upon me, for having
formerly disgraced her, by spreading reports to my prejudice. I was
therefore alarmed at these symptoms of the Squire's admiration; and for
some time did not know what reply to make, when he asked my opinion of
her beauty; at length I came to a determination, and told him that her
name was Melinda, that she had a fortune of ten thousand pounds, and was
said to be under promise of marriage to a certain lord, who deferred his
nuptials a few mouths until he should be of age. I thought this piece
of intelligence, which I had myself invented, would have hindered him
effectually from entertaining any further thoughts of her; but I was
egregiously mistaken. The foxhunter had too much self-sufficiency to
despair of success against any competitor on earth. He therefore made
light of her engagement, saying, with a smile of self-approbation,
"Mayhap she will change her mind; what signifies his being a lord? I
think myself as good a man as e'er a lord in Christendom, and I'll see
if a commoner worth three thousand a year won't serve her turn." This
determination startled me not a little; I knew he would soon discover
the contrary of what I advanced; and as I believed he would find her ear
open to his addresses, did not doubt of meeting with every obstacle in
my amour that her malice could invent, and her influence execute. This
reflection increased my chagrin--my vexation was evident. Narcissa
insisted on going home immediately: and, as I led her to the door,
her noble admirer, with a look full of languishment, directed to her
a profound bow, which stung me to the soul. Before she went into the
chair, she asked, with an appearance of concern, what was the
matter with me? and I could pronounce no more than "By heaven, I am
distracted!"

CHAPTER LVIII

Tortured with Jealousy, I go Home, and abuse Strap--receive a Message
from Narcissa, in Consequence of which