be supposed
that she would condescend to inquire into the state of his thoughts when
she saw him thus affected; but she, nevertheless, imposed that task
on her cousin and confidant, who, as they walked together in the park
observed that he seemed to be out of humour. When this is the case, such
a question generally increases the disease; at least it had that effect
upon Peregrine, who replied somewhat peevishly, "I assure you, madam,
you never were more mistaken in your observations."--"I think so,
too," said Emilia, "for I never saw Mr. Pickle in higher spirits." This
ironical encomium completed his confusion: he affected to smile, but it
was a smile of anguish, and in his heart he cursed the vivacity of both.
He could not for his soul recollect himself so as to utter one connected
sentence; and the suspicion that they observed every circumstance of
his behaviour, threw such a damp on his spirits that he was quite
overwhelmed with shame and resentment, when Sophy, casting her eyes
towards the gate, said, "Yonder is your servant, Mr. Pickle, with
another man who seems to have a wooden leg." Peregrine started at this
intelligence, and immediately underwent sundry changes of complexion,
knowing that his fate, in a great measure, depended upon the information
he would receive from his friend.

Hatchway, advancing to the company, after a brace of sea bows to the
ladies, took the youth aside, and put the commodore's letter into
his hand, which threw him into such an agitation that he could scarce
pronounce, "Ladies, will you give me leave?" When, in consequence of
their permission, he attempted to open the billet, he fumbled with such
manifest disorder, that his mistress, who watched his motions, began to
think that there was something very interesting in the message; and so
much was she affected with his concern, that she was fain to turn her
head another way, and wipe the tears from her lovely eyes.

Meanwhile, Peregrine no sooner read the first sentence than his
countenance, which before was overcast with a deep gloom, began to be
lighted up, and every feature unbending by degrees, he recovered his
serenity. Having perused the letter, his eyes sparkling with joy and
gratitude, he hugged the lieutenant in his arms, and presented him to
the ladies as one of his best friends. Jack met with a most gracious
reception, and shook Emilia by the hand, telling her, with the familiar
appellation of "old acquaintance" that he did n