 husband informed her
that he was in a fair way of being ruined by this indiscreet amour. It was then
she began to applaud her own foresight, which had discerned the mark of
reprobation in that vicious boy, and launched out in comparisons between him and
Gammy, who, she observed, was a child of uncommon parts and solidity, and with
the blessing of God, would be a comfort to his parents, and an ornament to the
family.
    Should I affirm that this favourite whom she commended so much, was in every
respect the reverse of what she described; that he was a boy of mean capacity,
and though remarkably distorted in his body, much more crooked in his
disposition; and that she had persuaded her husband to espouse her opinion,
though it was contrary to common sense, as well as to his own perception; I am
afraid the reader will think I represent a monster that never existed in nature,
and be apt to condemn the oeconomy of my invention; nevertheless, there is
nothing more true than every circumstance of what I have advanced; and I wish
the picture, singular as it is, may not be thought to resemble more than one
original.
 

                                 Chapter XXIII

Peregrine is summoned to attend his Uncle, is more and more hated by his own
Mother; appeals to his Father, whose Condescension is defeated by the Dominion
of his Wife
 
But waving these reflections, let us return to Peregrine, who received a summons
to attend his uncle, and in a few days arrived with Mr. Jolter and Pipes at the
garrison, which he filled with joy and satisfaction. The alteration, which,
during his absence, had happened in his person, was very favourable to his
appearance, which from that of a comely boy, was converted into that of a most
engaging youth. He was already taller than a middle-sized man, his shape
ascertained, his sinews well knit, his mien greatly improved, and his whole
figure as elegant and graceful, as if it had been cast in the same mould with
the Apollo of Belvidere.
    Such an outside could not fail of prepossessing people in his favour. The
commodore, notwithstanding the advantageous reports he had heard, found his
expectation exceeded in the person of Peregrine, and signified his approbation
in the most sanguine terms. Mrs. Trunnion was struck with his genteel address,
and received him with uncommon marks of complacency and affection; he was
caressed by all the people in the neighbourhood, who, while they admired his
accomplishments, could not help pitying his infatuated mother, who was deprived
of that unutterable delight which any other parent
