 account
of his absence: and in short, conveyed his arguments, which were equally obvious
and valid, in such expressions of friendship and respect, that Peregrine yielded
to his remonstrances, and promised to accompany him next day to Winchester.
    Hatchway, overjoyed at the success of his negociation, went immediately to
the hostler and bespoke a post-chaise for Mr. Pickle and his man, with whom he
afterwards indulged himself in a double cann of rumbo, and when the night was
pretty far advanced, left the lover to his repose, or rather to the thorns of
his own meditation; for he slept not one moment, being incessantly tortured with
the prospect of parting from his divine Emilia, who had now acquired the most
absolute empire over his soul. One minute he proposed to depart early in the
morning, without seeing this enchantress, in whose bewitching presence he durst
not trust his own resolution. Then the thoughts of leaving her in such an abrupt
and disrespectful manner, interposed in favour of his love and honour. This war
of sentiments kept him all night upon the rack, and it was time to rise before
he had determined to visit his charmer, and candidly impart the motives that
induced him to leave her.
    He accordingly repaired to her mother's house with a heavy heart, being
attended to the gate by Hatchway, who did not choose to leave him alone; and
being admitted, found Emilia just risen, and in his opinion, more beautiful than
ever.
    Alarmed at his early visit, and the gloom that overspread his countenance,
she stood in silent expectation of hearing some melancholy tidings; and it was
not till after a considerable pause, that he collected resolution enough to tell
her he was come to take his leave. Though she strove to conceal her sorrow,
nature was not to be suppressed; every feature of her countenance saddened in a
moment, and it was not without the utmost difficulty that she kept her lovely
eyes from overflowing. He saw the situation of her thoughts, and in order to
alleviate her concern, assured her he should find means to see her again in a
very few weeks; mean while he communicated his reasons for departing, in which
she readily acquiesced; and having mutually consoled each other, their
transports of grief subsided, and before Mrs. Gauntlet came down stairs they
were in a condition to behave with great decency and resignation.
    This good lady expressed her concern when she learnt his resolution, saying,
she hoped his occasions and inclinations would permit him to favour them with
his agreeable company another time.
    The lieutenant, who began to be uneasy
