 reason to expect from the savoury
steam that issued from the kitchen, could not resist this second instance of our
young gentleman's civility, which he acknowledged by a message, importing that
he and his wife would do themselves the pleasure of profiting by his courteous
offer. Peregrine's cheeks glowed when he found himself on the eve of being
acquainted with Mrs. Hornbeck, of whose heart he had already made a conquest in
imagination; and he forthwith set his invention at work, to contrive some means
of defeating her husband's vigilance.
    When supper was ready, he in person gave notice to his guests, and leading
the lady into his apartment, seated her in an elbow chair at the upper end of
the table, squeezing her hand and darting a most insidious glance at the same
time. This abrupt behaviour he practised on the presumption, that a lady of her
breeding was not to be addressed with the tedious forms that must be observed in
one's advances to a person of birth and genteel education; and in all
probability his calculation was just, for Mrs. Hornbeck gave no signs of
discontent at this sort of treatment, but on the contrary, seemed to consider it
as a proof of the young gentleman's regard; and though she did not venture to
open her mouth three times during the whole repast, she shewed herself
particularly well satisfied with her entertainer, by sundry sly and significant
looks, while her husband's eyes were directed another way, and divers loud peals
of laughter, signifying her approbation of the sallies which he uttered in the
course of their conversation. Her spouse began to be very uneasy at the frank
demeanour of his yoke-fellow, whom he endeavoured to check in her vivacity, by
assuming a severity of aspect; but whether she obeyed the dictates of her own
disposition, which, perhaps, was merry and unreserved, or wanted to punish Mr.
Hornbeck for his jealousy of temper; certain it is, her gaiety increased to such
a degree, that her husband was grievously alarmed and incensed at her conduct,
and resolved to make her sensible of his displeasure, by treading in secret upon
her toes. He was, however, so disconcerted by his indignation, that he mistook
his mark, and applied the sharp heel of his shoe to the side of Mr. Jolter's
foot, comprehending his little toe that was studded with an angry corn, which he
invaded with such a sudden jerk, that the governor, unable to endure the torture
in silence, started up, and dancing on the floor, roared hideously with repeated
bellowings
