 of her husband, who (she
told him) had been extremely sorry for his own heat, after Mr. Pickle's
departure, and would have followed him to the garison, in order to solicit his
forgiveness, had not he been restrained by certain punctilios, occasioned by
some acrimonious expressions that dropt from Peregrine at the inn.
    After having cleared up this misunderstanding, she proceeded to give an
account of Emilia, whose behaviour, at that juncture, plainly indicated a
continuance of affection for her first lover; and desired, that he would give
her full powers to bring that matter also to an accommodation: »For I am not
more certain of my own existence (said she) than that you are still in
possession of my sister's heart.« At this declaration, the tear started in his
eye, while he shook his head, and declined her good offices, wishing that the
young lady might be much more happy than ever he should be able to make her.
    Mrs. Gauntlet, confounded at these expressions, and moved by the despondent
manner in which they were delivered, begg'd to know if any new obstacle was
raised, by some late change in his sentiments or situation: and he, in order to
avoid a painful explanation, told her, that he had long despaired of being able
to vanquish Emilia's resentment, and for that reason quitted the pursuit, which
he would never renew, howsoever his heart might suffer by that resolution;
though he took heaven to witness, that his love, esteem, and admiration of her
were not in the least impaired: but the true motive of his laying aside this
design, was the consciousness of his decayed fortune, which, by adding to the
sensibility of his pride, increased the horror of another repulse. She expressed
her concern for this determination, both on his own account, and in behalf of
Emilia, whose happiness (in her opinion) depended upon his constancy and
affection; and she would have questioned him more minutely about the state of
his affairs, had not he discouraged the inquiry, by seeking to introduce another
subject of conversation.
    After mutual protestations of friendship and regard, he promised to visit
her often, during her residence in town; and took his leave in a strange
perplexity of mind, occasioned by the images of love, intruding upon the
remonstrances of carking care. He had some time ago forsaken those extravagant
companions with whom he had rioted in the heyday of his fortune, and began to
consort with a graver and more sober species of acquaintance: but he now found
himself disabled
