 about the welfare of her child,
to enquire into the particulars of my fortune, and know what settlement I
proposed to make. To this intimation, which would have utterly disconcerted me,
if I had not expected it, I replied without hesitation, that though my fortune
was very small, I was a gentleman by birth and education, would maintain her
daughter in the sphere of a gentlewoman, and settle her own dowry on her and her
heirs for ever. - This careful matron did not seem to relish my proposal, but
observed with a demure countenance, that there was no necessity for settling
that upon her child which was her own already: However, if I pleased, her lawyer
should confer with mine upon the matter; and in the mean time, she desired I
would favour her with the perusal of my rent-roll. - Notwithstanding the
vexation I was under, I could scarce forbear laughing in her face, at the
mention of my rent-roll, which was, indeed, a severe piece of satire upon my
pretensions. I frankly owned I had no landed estate: and told her, that I could
not exactly specify the sum I was master of, until I had regulated my affairs,
which were at present in some disorder; but that I would take an opportunity of
satisfying her on that head very soon.
    It was not long before I took my leave, and returned to my lodgings in a
very melancholy mood, persuaded that I had nothing more to expect from that
quarter: I was confirmed in this opinion next day, when I went back with a view
of explaining myself more fully to the old gentlewoman; and was told by the
footman, that his ladies were not at home, although I had seen Melinda through
the blinds of a parlour window, as I went up to the door. Incensed at this
affront I quitted the door, without saying one word, and as I repassed the
parlour, bowed to Miss, who still remained in the same situation, securely
screened, as she thought, from my view.
    This disappointment gave me more uneasiness on Strap's account, than my own;
for I was in no danger of dying for love of Melinda; on the contrary, the
remembrance of my charming Narcissa, was a continual check upon my conscience,
during the whole course of my addresses; and perhaps contributed to the bad
success of my scheme, by controuling my raptures, and condemning my design.
    There was a necessity for acquainting my companion with every thing that
happened to me, and I performed this piece of duty in an
