 cousin, and appeared at the last
assembly, where she was universally admired; and that several young gentlemen of
fortune had since that time teized her with addresses.
    Our hero's ambition was flattered, and his passion inflamed with this
intelligence; and he swore within himself that he would not quit the spot until
he should have obtained an indisputed victory over all his rivals.
    That same evening he composed a most eloquent epistle, in which he earnestly
intreated that she would favour him with an opportunity of vindicating his
conduct; but she would neither receive his billet nor see his messenger. Baulked
in this effort, he inclosed it in a new cover directed by another hand, and
ordered Pipes to ride next morning to London, on purpose to deliver it at the
post-office; that coming by such conveyance, she might have no suspicion of the
author, and open it before she should be aware of the deceit.
    Three days he waited patiently for the effect of this stratagem, and in the
afternoon of the fourth, ventured to hazard a formal visit, in quality of an old
acquaintance. But here too he failed in his attempt; she was indisposed and
could not see company. These obstacles served only to increase his eagerness; he
still adhered to his former resolution; and his companions understanding his
determination, left him next day to his own inventions. Thus relinquished to his
own ideas, he doubled his assiduity, and practised every method his imagination
could suggest, in order to promote his plan.
    Pipes was stationed all day long within sight of her door, that he might be
able to give his master an account of her motions; but she never went abroad
except to visit in the neighbourhood, and was always housed before Peregrine
could be apprized of her appearance. He went to church with a view of attracting
her notice, and humbled his deportment before her; but she was so mischievously
devout as to look at nothing but her book, so that he was not favoured with one
glance of regard. He frequented the coffeehouse, and attempted to contract an
acquaintance with Miss Sophy's father, who, he hoped, would invite him to his
house; but this expectation was also defeated. That prudent gentleman looked
upon him as one of those forward fortune-hunters who go about the country
seeking whom they may devour, and warily discouraged all his advances. Chagrined
by so many unsuccessful endeavours, he began to despair of accomplishing his
aim, and as the last suggestion of his art, paid off his lodging, took horse at
noon, and departed, in all appearance, for
