 had forsaken her since she had the
pleasure of seeing them, and that she would rely upon accident for a partner.
Just as she pronounced these words to the last of the three, Peregrine advanced
as an utter stranger, bowed with great respect, told her he understood she was
disengaged, and would think himself highly honoured in being accepted as her
partner for the night; and had the good fortune to succeed in his application.
    As they were by far the handsomest and best accomplished couple in the room,
they could not fail of attracting the notice and admiration of the spectators,
which inflamed the jealousy of his three competitors, who immediately entered
into a conspiracy against this gaudy stranger, whom as their rival, they
resolved to affront in publick. Pursuant to the plan which they projected for
this purpose, the first country-dance was no sooner concluded, than one of them
with his partner took the place of Peregrine and his mistress, contrary to the
regulations of the ball. Our lover imputing this behaviour to inadvertency,
informed the gentleman of his mistake, and civilly desired he would rectify his
error. The other told him, in an imperious tone, that he wanted none of his
advice, and bad him mind his own affairs. Peregrine answered with some warmth,
and insisted upon his right; a dispute commenced, high words ensued, in the
course of which, our impetuous youth hearing himself reviled with the
appellation of scoundrel, pulled off his antagonist's periwig, and flung it in
his face. The ladies immediately shriek'd, the gentlemen interposed, Emilia was
seized with a fit of trembling, and conducted to her seat by her youthful
admirer, who begged pardon for having discomposed her, and vindicated what he
had done, by representing the necessity he was under to resent the provocation
he had received.
    Though she could not help owning the justice of his plea, she was not the
less concerned at the dangerous situation in which he had involved himself, and
in the utmost consternation and anxiety, insisted upon going directly home: he
could not resist her importunities, and her cousin being determined to accompany
her, he escorted them to their lodgings, where he wished them good night, after
having, in order to quiet their apprehensions, protested that if his opponent
was satisfied, he should never take any step towards the prosecution of the
quarrel. Mean while the assembly-room became a scene of tumult and uproar; the
person who conceived himself injured, seeing Peregrine retire, struggled with
his companions who with-held him, in order to pursue and take satisfaction of
our
