, I sauntered in company with doctor Wagtail, to that part of the
town in which my inamorata lived; and as he was a meer register, enquired of him
into the name, character and fortune of every body who possessed a good house in
the streets through which we passed: When it came to his turn to mention Sir
John Sparkle, he represented him as a man of an immense estate and narrow
disposition, who mewed up his only child, a fine young lady, from the
conversation of mankind, under the strict watch and inspection of an old
gouvernante, who was either so honest, envious or insatiable, that no body had
been, as yet, able to make her a friend, or get access to her charge, though
numbers attempted it every day; not so much on account of her expectations from
her father, who being a widower, might marry again, and have sons, as for a
fortune of twelve thousand pounds left her by an uncle, of which she could not
be deprived. - This piece of news exactly tallying with the last part of the
letter I had been honoured with in the morning, had such an effect on me, that
any man, except Wagtail, might have observed my emotion; but his attention was
too much engrossed on the contemplation of his own importance, to be affected
with the deportment of any other body, unless it happened to be so particular,
that he could not help taking notice of it.
    When I had disengaged myself from him, whose conversation grew insipid to
me, I went home, and made Strap acquainted with the fruits of my researches. -
This faithful Squire was almost choaked with transport, and even wept for joy;
but whether on account of himself or me, I shall not pretend to determine. -
Next day a third billet doux was brought to me, containing many expressions of
tenderness, mingled with some affecting doubts about the artifice of man, the
inconstancy of youth, and the jealousy often attending the most sincere passion;
withal desiring I would excuse her, if she should try me a little longer, before
she declared herself beyond the power of retracting. - These interesting
scruples added fuel to my flame, and impatience to my hope; I redoubled my
complaints of her indifference, and pressed her to an assignation, with such
fervid intreaties, that in a few days, she consented to meet me at the house of
that milliner, who had forwarded all my letters. - During the interval between
the date of her promise, and the hour of appointment, my pride soared beyond all
reason
