 the profession of arms. He had made great
progress in the gymnastic sciences of dancing, fencing and riding, played
perfectly well on the German flute, and above all things valued himself upon a
scrupulous observance of all the points of honour.
    Had Peregrine and he considered themselves upon equal footing, in all
probability they would have immediately entered into a league of intimacy and
friendship; but this sufficient soldier looked upon his sister's admirer as a
young student raw from the university, and utterly ignorant of mankind, while
squire Pickle beheld Godfrey in the light of a needy volunteer, greatly inferior
to himself in fortune, as well as every other accomplishment. This mutual
misunderstanding could not fail of producing animosities. The very next day
after Peregrine's arrival, some sharp repartees passed between them in presence
of the ladies, before whom each endeavoured to assert his own superiority. In
these contests our hero never failed of obtaining the victory, because his
genius was more acute, and his talents better cultivated than those of his
antagonist, who therefore took umbrage at his success, became jealous of his
reputation, and began to treat him with marks of scorn and disrespect.
    His sister saw, and dreading the consequence of his ferocity, not only took
him to task in private for his impolite behaviour, but also intreated her lover
to make allowances for the roughness of her brother's education. He kindly
assured her, that whatever pains it might cost him to vanquish his own impetuous
temper, he would for her sake endure all the mortifications to which her
brother's arrogance might expose him; and after having stayed with her two days,
and enjoyed several private interviews, during which he acted the part of a most
passionate lover, he took his leave of Mrs. Gauntlet over-night, and told the
young ladies he would call early next morning, to bid them farewel. He did not
neglect this piece of duty, and found the two friends and breakfast already
prepared in the parlour. All three being extremely affected with the thoughts of
parting, a most pathetic silence for some time prevailed, till Peregrine put an
end to it, by lamenting his fate, in being obliged to exile himself so long from
the dear object of his most interesting wish; and begged with the most earnest
supplications, that she would now, in consideration of the cruel absence he must
suffer, give him the consolation which she had hitherto refused, namely, that of
knowing he possessed a place within her heart. The confidante seconded his
request, representing that it was now no time to disguise her sentiments, when
her
