 moment;
and in a little time the conversation became so particular, that the Capuchin
thought proper to interfere in the discourse, in such a manner as gave the youth
to understand, that he was there on purpose to superintend her conduct. He was
doubly rejoiced at this discovery, in consequence of which he hoped to profit in
his addresses, not only by the young lady's restraint, that never fails to
operate in behalf of the lover, but also by the corruptibility of her guardian,
whom he did not doubt of rendering propitious to his cause. Flushed with these
expectations, he behaved with uncommon complacency to the father, who was
charmed with the affability of his carriage, and on the faith of his generosity
abated of his vigilance so much, that our hero carried on his suit without
further molestation; while the painter, in signs and loud bursts of laughter,
conversed with his Dulcinea, who was perfectly well versed in these simple
expressions of satisfaction, and had already found means to make a dangerous
invasion upon his heart.
    Nor were the governor and physician unemployed, while their friends
interested themselves in this agreeable manner. Jolter no sooner perceived the
Hollander was a Jew, than he entered into an investigation of the Hebrew tongue,
in which he was a connoisseur; and the doctor at the same time attacked the
Mendicant on the ridiculous maxims of his order, together with the impositions
of priest-craft in general, which (he observed) prevail so much among those who
profess the Roman Catholic religion.
    Thus coupled, each committee enjoyed their own conversation apart, without
any danger of encroachment; and all were so intent upon their several topics,
that they scarce allowed themselves a small interval in viewing the desolation
of Menin, as they passed through that ruined frontier. About twelve o'clock they
arrived at Courtray, where the horses are always changed, and the company halt
an hour for refreshment. Here Peregrine handed his charmer into an apartment,
where she was joined by the other lady; and on pretence of seeing some of the
churches in town, put himself under the direction of the Capuchin, from whom he
learn'd, that the young lady was wife to a French gentleman, to whom she had
been married about a year, and that she was now on her journey to visit her
mother, who lived in Brussels, and who at that time laboured under a lingering
distemper, which, in all probability, would soon put a period to her life. He
then launched out in praise of her daughter's virtue and conjugal affection; and
lastly told him,
