 character, after the first compliments were passed, took
the opportunity of inquiring after the health of the commodore, to tell
Peregrine, that while he tarried at the garison, in his return from Dover, the
subject of the conversation, one night, happening to turn on our hero's passion,
the old gentleman had expressed his concern about that affair; and, among other
observations, said, he supposed the object of his love was some paultry hussy,
whom he had picked up when he was a boy at school. Upon which, Mr. Hatchway
assured him, that she was a young woman of as good a family as any in the
county; and after having prepossessed him in her favour, ventured (out of the
zeal of his friendship) to tell who she was: wherefore, the discovery was not to
be imputed to any other cause: and he hoped Mr. Pickle would acquit him of all
share in the transaction.
    Peregrine was very well pleased to be thus undeceived; his countenance
immediately cleared up, the formality of his behaviour relaxed into his usual
familiarity; he asked pardon for his unmannerly neglect of Godfrey's letter,
which, he protested, was not owing to any disregard, or abatement of friendship,
but to a hurry of youthful engagements, in consequence of which, he had
procrastinated his answer from time to time, until he was ready to return in
person.
    The young soldier was contented with this apology; and as Pickle's
intention, with respect to his sister, was still dubious and undeclared, he did
not think it was incumbent upon him, as yet, to express any resentment on that
score; but was wise enough to foresee, that the renewal of his intimacy with our
young gentleman, might be the means of reviving that flame which had been
dissipated by a variety of new ideas. With those sentiments he laid aside all
reserve, and their communication immediately resumed its former channel.
Peregrine made him acquainted with all the adventures in which he had been
engaged since their parting; and he, with the same confidence, related the
remarkable incidents of his own fate; among other things, giving him to
understand, that upon obtaining a commission in the army, the father of his dear
Sophy, without once inquiring about the occasion of his promotion, had not only
favoured him with his countenance in a much greater degree than heretofore, but
also contributed his interest, and even promised the assistance of his purse, in
procuring for him a lieutenancy, which he was then soliciting with all his
power; whereas, if he had not
