 he had not the most implicit confidence in her
virtue and discretion, which, it seems, had like to have yielded to the
addresses of an officer at Canterbury, who had made shift to insinuate himself
into her acquaintance and favour.
    Peregrine's curiosity being inflamed by this information, he lounged about
the yard, in hopes of seeing the Dulcinea who had captivated the old batchelor,
and at length observing her at a window, took the liberty of bowing to her with
great respect. She returned the compliment with a curt'sie, and appeared so
decent in her dress and manner, that unless he had been previously informed of
her former life and conversation, he never would have dreamt that her education
was different from that of other ladies of fashion; so easy it is to acquire
that external deportment on which people of condition value themselves so much.
Not but that Mr. Pickle pretended to distinguish a certain vulgar audacity in
her countenance, which in a lady of birth and fortune would have passed for an
agreeable vivacity that enlivens the aspect, and gives a poignancy to every
feature: but, as she possessed a pair of fine eyes and a clear complexion,
overspread with the glow of health, which never fails of recommending the owner,
he could not help gazing at her with desire, and forming the design of making a
conquest of her heart. With this view, he sent his compliments to her husband,
whose name was Hornbeck, with an intimation, that he proposed to set out next
day for Paris, and as he understood that he was resolved upon the same journey,
he should be extremely glad of his company on the road, if he was not better
engaged. Hornbeck, who in all probability did not chuse to accommodate his wife
with a squire of our hero's appearance, sent a civil answer to his message,
professing infinite mortification at his being unable to embrace the favour of
his kind offer, by reason of the indisposition of his wife, who, he was afraid,
would not be in a condition for some days to bear the fatigue of travelling.
This rebuff, which Peregrine ascribed to the husband's jealousy, stifled his
project in embrio; he ordered his French servant to take a place for himself in
the Diligence, where all his luggage was stowed, except a small trunk with some
linen and other necessaries that was fixed upon the post-chaise which they hired
of the landlord; and early next morning he and Mr. Jolter departed from Calais,
attended by his valet de chambre and Pipes on horseback. They proceeded without
any accident as
