r from me, on pretence of consulting
her happiness: and say that I met her in the streets, and bribed her
to this piece of service. Matters being thus adjusted, I kept my old
acquaintance to breakfast, and learned from her conversation, that my
rival Sir Timothy had drunk himself into an apoplexy, of which he died
five months ago; that the savage was still unmarried and that his aunt
had been seized with a whim which he little expected, and chosen the
schoolmaster of the parish for her lord and husband: but matrimony not
agreeing with her constitution she had been hectic and dropsical a
good while, and was now at Bath, in order to drink the waters for the
recovery of her health; that her niece had accompanied her thither
at her request, and attended her with the same affection as before,
notwithstanding the mistake she had committed: and that the nephew,
who had been exasperated at the loss of her fortune, did not give his
attendance out of good will, but purely to have an eye on his sister,
lest she should likewise throw herself away without his consent or
approbation. Having enjoyed ourselves in this manner, and made an
assignation to meet next day at a certain place, Miss Williams took her
leave; and Strap's looks being very inquisitive about the nature of
the communication subsisting between us, I made him acquainted with the
whole affair, to his great astonishment and satisfaction.

CHAPTER LVI

I become acquainted with Narcissa's brother, who invites me to his
House, where I am introduced to that adorable Creature--after dinner,
the Squire retires to take his nap--Freeman, guessing the Situation of
my Thought, withdraws likewise, on pretence of Business--I declare
my passion for Narcissa--am well-received--charmed with her
Conversation--the Squire detains us to Supper--I elude his design by a
Stratagem, and get home sober

In the afternoon, I drank tea at the house of Mr. Freeman, to whom I had
been recommended by Banter; where I had not sat five minutes, till the
foxhunter came in, and by his familiar behaviour appeared to be intimate
with my friend. I was, at first, under some concern, lest he should
recollect my features; but when I found myself introduced to him as
a gentleman from London, without being discovered, I blessed the
opportunity that brought me into his company; hoping that, in the course
of my acquaintance, he would invite me to his house; nor were my hopes
frustrated, for, as we spent