 went out, with a view of
making his mistress acquainted with his uncle's intention of sending him out of
the kingdom for his improvement, and of saying every thing which he thought
necessary for the interest of his love. He found her at breakfast with her
cousin; and as he was very full of the subject of his visit, had scarce fixed
himself in his seat, when he brought it upon the carpet, by asking with a smile,
if the ladies had any commands for Paris? Emilia at this question began to
stare, and her confidante desired to know who was going thither? He no sooner
gave them to understand, that he himself intended in a short time to visit that
capital, than his mistress, with great precipitation, wished him a good journey,
and affected to talk with indifference about the pleasures he would enjoy in
France: but when he seriously assured Sophy, who asked if he was in earnest,
that his uncle actually insisted upon his making a short tour, than the tears
gushed in poor Emilia's eyes, and she was at great pains to conceal her concern,
by observing that the tea was so scalding hot, as to make her eyes water. This
pretext was too thin to impose upon her lover, or even deceive the observation
of her friend Sophy, who after breakfast took an opportunity of quitting the
room.
    Thus left by themselves, Peregrine imparted to her what he had learnt of the
commodore's intention, without, however, mentioning a syllable of his being
offended at their correspondence; and accompanied his information with such
fervent vows of eternal constancy, and solemn promises of a speedy return, that
Emily's heart, which had been invaded by a suspicion, that this scheme of
travelling was the effect of her lover's inconstancy, began to be more at ease;
and she could not help signifying her approbation of his design.
    This affair being amicably compromised, he asked how soon she proposed to
set out for her mother's house; and understanding that her departure was fixed
for next day but one, and that her cousin Sophy intended to accompany her in her
father's chariot, he repeated his intention of attending her, and in the mean
time dismissed his governor and the lieutenant to the garison, with his
compliments to his aunt and the commodore, and a faithful promise of his being
with them in six days at farthest.
    These previous measures being taken, he, attended by Pipes, set out with the
ladies; and they had also a convoy for twelve miles from Sophy's father, who
