, to the unspeakable enjoyment of Peregrine and the lady, who laughed
themselves almost into convulsions at the joke. Hornbeck, confounded at the
mistake he had committed, begged pardon of the injured tutor with great
contrition, protesting that the blow he had so unfortunately received, was
intended for an ugly cur, which he thought had posted himself under the table.
It was lucky for him that there was actually a dog in the room, to justify this
excuse, which Jolter admitted with the tears running over his cheeks, and the
oeconomy of the table was re-composed.
    As soon, however, as the strangers could with decency withdraw, this
suspicious husband took his leave of the youth, on pretence of being fatigued
with his journey, after having, by way of compliment, proposed that they should
travel together next day; and Peregrine handed the lady to her chamber, where he
wished her good night with another warm squeeze, which she returned. This
favourable hint made his heart bound with a transport of joy; he lay in wait for
an opportunity of declaring himself, and seeing the husband go down into the
yard with a candle, he glided softly into his apartment, and found her almost
undressed. Impelled by the impetuosity of his passion, which was still more
inflamed by her present luscious appearance, and encouraged by the approbation
she had already expressed, he ran towards her with eagerness, crying, »Zounds!
madam, your charms are irresistible!« and without further ceremony would have
clasped her in his arms, had not she begged him for the love of God to retire,
for should Mr. Hornbeck return and find him there, she would be undone for ever.
He was not so blinded by his passion but that he saw the reasonableness of her
fear, and as he could not pretend to crown his wishes at that interview, he
avowed himself her lover, assured her that he would exhaust his whole invention
in finding a proper opportunity for throwing himself at her feet; and in the
mean time he ravished sundry small favours, which she in the hurry of her fright
could not with-hold from his impudence of address. Having thus happily settled
the preliminaries, he withdrew to his own chamber, and spent the whole night in
contriving stratagems to elude the jealous caution of his fellow-traveller.
 

                                  Chapter XLII

They set out in Company, breakfast at Abbe Ville, dine at Amiens, and about
Eleven O'clock arrive at Chantilly, where Peregrine executes a Plan which he had
concerted upon Hornbeck
 
The whole company by agreement rose and departed before day, and breakfasted at
Abbe
