 his appearance, and longed for his
acquaintance. - He actually engaged him on this pretence, and painted his good
fortune in such colours, that the poor shaver was quite beside himself with joy,
- He was immediately fitted with a tawdry suit of cloaths belonging to Banter,
and by him recommended to Chatter, as a very pretty fellow, just returned from
his travels. - Master Billy, who acted as gentleman-usher to a great many of the
fair sex in and about town undertook, at once, to bespeak Melinda in his behalf;
and every thing happened according to my wish.
    At the time appointed, I appeared, dressed to the best advantage; and in the
character of Marquis, had the honour of opening the ball with the rich heiress,
who attracted the eyes of the whole company, by the prodigious number of jewels
with which she was adorned. - Among others, I perceived Melinda, who could no
more conceal her envy than astonishment at my success: Her curiosity was still
more flagrant and tormenting, for she had never seen Miss Gripewell before; and
Chatter, who alone could give her any satisfaction on that head, was engaged in
conversation at the other end of the room. - I observed her impatience, and
exulted in her chagrin; and after my partner was set, took the opportunity of
passing by her to make a slight bow without stopping; which compleated my
triumph and her indignation. She changed colour, bridled up, assumed an air of
disdain, and flirted her fan with such fury, that it went to pieces in a moment,
to the no small entertainment of those who sat near and observed her.
    At length the metamorphosed barber took her out, and acted his part with
such ridiculous extravagance, that the mirth of the whole company was excited at
his expence, and his partner so much ashamed, that before the country dances
began, she retired in great confusion, under pretence of being taken suddenly
ill, and was followed by her gallant, who no doubt, imagined her indisposition
was nothing but love; and laid hold of the occasion of conducting her home, to
comfort her, with an assurance of his entertaining a reciprocal passion. - They
were no sooner gone, than an inquisitive whisper of »Who is he?« run round the
room; and Chatter could give them no other intelligence about him, than that he
was a man of fortune, just returned from his travels: I, who alone was
acquainted with his real quality, affected ignorance, well knowing that female
curiosity would not rest satisfied with such a general account
