cautioning him severely against any such design for the future,
concluded my admonition with an assurance, that, in case he should ever
act so madly, I would, without hesitation, put him to death. "Have a
little patience!" cried he, in a lamentable tone; "your displeasure will
do the business, without your committing murder." I was touched with
this reproach; and, as soon as we got home, made it my business to
appease him, by explaining the cause of that transport during which I
had used him so unworthily.

Next day when I went into the Long Room, I observed several whispers
circulate all of a sudden, and did not doubt that Melinda had been busy
with my character; but I consoled myself with the love of Narcissa, upon
which I rested with the most perfect confidence; and going up to the
rowly-powly table, won a few pieces from my suspected rival, who, with
an easy politeness, entered into conversation with me, and, desiring
my company to the coffee-house, treated me with tea and chocolate. I
remembered Strutwell, and guarded against his insinuating behaviour;
nor was my suspicion wrong placed; he artfully turned the discourse upon
Narcissa, and endeavoured by hinting at an intrigue he pretended to be
engaged in elsewhere, to learn what connection there was between her
and me. But all his finesse was ineffectual, I was convinced of his
dissimulation, and gave such general answers to his inquiries, that he
was forced to drop the subject, and talk of something else.

While we conversed in this manner, the savage came in with another
gentleman, who introduced him to his lordship, and he was received with
such peculiar marks of distinction, that I was persuaded the courtier
intended to use him in some shape or other; and from thence I drew an
unlucky omen. But I had more cause to be dismayed the following day,
when I saw the squire in company with Melinda and her mother, who
honoured me with several disdainful glances; and when I afterwards threw
myself in his way, instead of the cordial shake of the hand, he returned
my salute with a cold repetition of "Servant, servant!" which he
pronounced with such indifference or rather contempt, that if he had not
been Narcissa's brother, I should have affronted him in public.

These occurrences disturbed me not a little; I foresaw the brooding
storm, and armed myself with resolution for the occasion; but Narcissa,
being at stake, I was far from being resigned. I could have renounced