, as plainly
gave him to understand, that he was acquainted with the displeasure of his
niece. He therefore, with an air of candour, told the citizen, he could easily
perceive, by his behaviour, that he was the confidant of Miss Emily, of whom he
was come to ask pardon for the offence he had given; and did not doubt, if he
could be admitted to her presence, that he should be able to convince her, that
he had not erred intentionally, or at least propose such reparation, as would
effectually atone for his fault.
    To this remonstrance the merchant, without any ceremony or circumlocution,
answered, that though he was ignorant of the nature of his offence, he was very
certain, that it must have been something very flagrant, that could irritate his
niece to such a degree, against a person for whom she had formerly a most
particular regard. He owned, she had declared her intention to renounce his
acquaintance for ever, and, doubtless, she had good reason for so doing; neither
would he undertake to promote an accommodation, unless he would give him full
power to treat on the score of matrimony, which he supposed would be the only
means of evincing his own sincerity, and obtaining Emilia's forgiveness.
    Peregrine's pride was kindled by this blunt declaration, which he could not
help considering as the result of a scheme concerted betwixt the young lady and
her uncle, in order to take the advantage of his heat. He therefore replied,
with manifest signs of disgust, that he did not apprehend there was any occasion
for a mediator to reconcile the difference betwixt Emilia and him; and that all
he desired, was an opportunity of pleading in his own behalf.
    The citizen frankly told him, that as his niece had expressed an earnest
desire of avoiding his company, he would not put the least constraint upon her
inclination; and in the mean time gave him to know, that he was particularly
engaged.
    Our hero glowing with indignation at this supercilious treatment; »I was in
the wrong (said he) to look for good manners, so far on this side of Temple-bar:
but, you must give me leave to tell you, Sir, that unless I am favoured with an
interview with Miss Gauntlet, I shall conclude, that you have actually laid a
constraint upon her inclination, for some sinister purposes of your own.« »Sir,
(replied the old gentleman) you are welcome to make what conclusions shall seem
good unto your own imagination; but, pray be so good as to allow me
