, they
had both paid their addresses) but a tight, good humoured sensible wench, who
knows very well how to box her compass; well trimmed aloft, and well sheathed
alow, with a good commodity under her hatches.« The commodore at first imagined
this commendation was ironical, but hearing it repeated again and again, was
filled with astonishment at this surprising change in the lieutenant's
behaviour; and after a long fit of musing, concluded that Hatchway himself
harboured a matrimonial design on the person of Mrs. Grizzle.
    Pleased with this conjecture, he rallied Jack in his turn, and one night
toasted her health as a compliment to his passion; a circumstance which the lady
learning next day by the usual canal of her intelligence, and interpreting as
the result of his own tenderness for her, she congratulated herself upon the
victory she had obtained; and thinking it unnecessary to continue the reserve
she had hitherto industriously affected, resolved from that day to sweeten her
behaviour towards him with such a dash of affection, as could not fail to
persuade him that he had inspired her with a reciprocal flame. In consequence of
this determination he was invited to dinner, and while he staid, treated with
such cloying proofs of her regard, that not only the rest of the company, but
even Trunnion himself perceived her drift; and taking the alarm accordingly,
could not help exclaiming, »Oho! I see how the land lies, and if I don't weather
the point, I'll be damn'd.« Having thus expressed himself to his afflicted
inamorata, he made the best of his way to the garrison, in which he shut himself
up for the space of ten days, and had no communication with his friends and
domesticks but by looks, which were most significantly picturesque.
 

                                  Chapter VII

Divers Stratagems are invented and put in Practice, in order to overcome the
Obstinacy of Trunnion, who at length is teized and tortured into the Noose of
Wedlock
 
This abrupt departure and unkind declaration affected Mrs. Grizzle so much, that
she fell sick of sorrow and mortification; and after having confined herself to
her bed for three days, sent for her brother, told him she perceived her end
drawing near, and desired that a lawyer might be brought, in order to write her
last will. Mr. Pickle surprised at her demand, began to act the part of a
comforter, assuring her that her distemper was not at all dangerous; and that he
would instantly send for a physician, who would convince her that she was in no
manner of jeopardy; so that there was no
