 which she no doubt imputed to my disgust at her mother's behaviour; and
as I believed the old woman could not fail of ascribing my muteness to the same
motive, I determined to continue that sullen conduct towards her, and fall upon
some other method of manifesting my esteem for the daughter; nor was it
difficult for me to make her acquainted with my sentiments by the expression of
my looks, which I modelled into the characters of humility and love; and which
were answered by her with all the sympathy and approbation I could desire. But
when I began to consider, that without further opportunities of improving my
success, all the progress I had hitherto made could not much avail, and that
such opportunities could not be enjoyed without the mother's permission; I
concluded it would be requisite to vanquish her coldness and suspicion by my
assiduities and respectful behaviour on the road; and she would in all
likelihood invite me to visit her at Bath, where I did not fear of being able to
cultivate her acquaintance as much as would be necessary to the accomplishment
of my purpose. - And indeed accident furnished me with an opportunity of
obliging her so much, that she could not with any appearance of good manners,
forbear to gratify my inclination.
    When we arrived at our dining-place, we found all the eatables in the inn
bespoke by a certain nobleman, who had got the start of us; and in all
likelihood, my mistress and her mother must have dined with Duke Humphrey, had I
not exerted myself in their behalf, and bribed the landlord with a glass of wine
to curtail his lordship's entertainment of a couple of fowls and some bacon,
which I sent with my compliments to the ladies; they accepted my treat with a
great many thanks, and desired I would favour them with my company at dinner,
where I amused the old gentlewoman so successfully, by maintaining a seemingly
disinterested ease, in the midst of my civility, that she signified a desire of
being better acquainted, and hoped I would be so kind as to see her sometimes at
Bath. - While I enjoyed myself in this manner, the precise lady had the good
fortune to meet with her husband, who was no other than gentleman, or in other
words, valet de chambre to the very nobleman, whose coach stood at the door.
Proud of the interest she had in the house, she affected to shew her power by
introducing the captain to her spouse, as a person who had treated her with
great civility; upon which he was invited to a share of their dinner; while
