of a hundred miles
at least.

The name of this fatal fruit was no sooner pronounced, than Mrs.
Grizzle, who incessantly watched her sister's looks, took the alarm,
because she thought they gave certain indications of curiosity and
desire; and after having observed that she herself could never eat
pine-apples, which were altogether unnatural productions, extorted
by the force of artificial fire out of filthy manure, asked, with a
faltering voice, if Mrs. Pickle was not of her way of thinking? This
young lady, who wanted neither slyness nor penetration, at once divined
her meaning, and replied, with seeming unconcern, that for her own part
she should never repine if there was no pine-apple in the universe,
provided she could indulge herself with the fruits of her own country.

This answer was calculated for the benefit of the stranger, who would
certainly have suffered for his imprudence by the resentment of Mrs.
Grizzle, had her sister expressed the least relish for the fruit in
question. It had the desired effect, and re-established the peace of the
company, which was not a little endangered by the gentleman's want of
consideration. Next morning, however, after breakfast, the pregnant
lady, in pursuance of her plan, yawned, as it were by accident, full in
the face of her maiden sister, who being infinitely disturbed by this
convulsion, affirmed it was a symptom of longing, and insisted upon
knowing the object in desire; when Mrs. Pickle affecting a smile
told her she had eaten a most delicious pine-apple in her sleep. This
declaration was attended with an immediate scream, uttered by
Mrs. Grizzle, who instantly perceiving her sister surprised at the
exclamation, clasped her in her arms, and assured her, with a sort of
hysterical laugh, that she could not help screaming with joy, because
she had it in her power to gratify her dear sister's wish; a lady in
the neighbourhood having promised to send her, as a present, a couple of
delicate pine-apples, which she would on that very day go in quest of.

Mrs. Pickle would by no means consent to this proposal, on pretence of
sparing the other unnecessary fatigue; and assured her, that if she had
any desire to eat a pine-apple, it was so faint, that the disappointment
could produce no bad consequence. But this assurance was conveyed in
a manner, which she knew very well how to adopt, that, instead of
dissuading, rather stimulated Mrs. Grizzle to set out immediately, not
on a