other room, where the
lieutenant was informed of the manner in which the young gentleman had
made his elopement from college, as well as of the other particulars of
his present situation, as far as they had fallen within the sphere of
his comprehension.

While they sat thus conferring together, Peregrine, having taken
leave of his mistress for the night, came home, and was not a little
surprised, when Hatchway, entering his chamber in his sea attitude,
thrust out his hand by way of salutation. His old pupil received him as
usual, with great cordiality, and expressed his astonishment at meeting
him in that place; but when he understood the cause and intention of
his arrival, he started with concern; and, his visage glowing with
indignation, told him he was old enough to be judge of his own conduct,
and, when he should see it convenient, would return of himself; but
those who thought he was to be compelled to his duty, would find
themselves egregiously mistaken.

The lieutenant assured him, that for his own part he had no intention to
offer him the least violence; but, at the same time, he represented
to him the danger of incensing the commodore, who was already almost
distracted on account of his absence: and, in short, conveyed his
arguments, which were equally obvious and valid, in such expressions of
friendship and respect, that Peregrine yielded to his remonstrances, and
promised to accompany him next day to Winchester.

Hatchway, overjoyed at the success of his negotiation, went immediately
to the hostler and bespoke a post-chaise for Mr. Pickle and his man with
whom he afterwards indulged himself in a double can of rumbo, and, when
the night was pretty far advanced, left the lover to his repose, or
rather to the thorns of his own meditation; for he slept not one moment,
being incessantly tortured with the prospect of parting with his divine
Emilia, who had now acquired the most absolute empire over his soul. One
minute he proposed to depart early in the morning, without seeing this
enchantress, in whose bewitching presence he durst not trust his own
resolution; then the thoughts of leaving her in such an abrupt and
disrespectful manner interposed in favour of his love and honour. This
war of sentiments kept him all night upon the rack, and it was time to
rise before he had determined to visit his charmer, and candidly impart
the motives that induced him to leave her.

He accordingly repaired to her mother's ho