Gauntlet came downstairs, they
were in a condition to behave with great decency and resignation.
This good lady expressed her concern when she learned his resolution,
saying, she hoped his occasions and inclinations would permit him
to favour them with his agreeable company another time.
The lieutenant, who began to be uneasy at Peregrine's stay, knocked
at the door, and, being introduced by his friend, had the honour of
breakfasting with the ladies; on which occasion his heart received
such a rude shock from the charms of Emilia, that he afterwards
made a merit with his friend of having constrained himself so far,
as to forbear commencing his professed rival.
At length they bade adieu to their kind entertainers; and in less
than an hour setting out from the inn, arrived about two o'clock
in Winchester, where Mr. Jolter was overwhelmed with joy at their
appearance.
The nature of this adventure being unknown to all except those who
could be depended upon, everybody who inquired about the cause of
Peregrine's absence, was told that he had been with a relation in
the country, and the master condescended to overlook his indiscretion;
so that Hatchway, seeing everything settled to the satisfaction
of his friend, returned to the garrison, and gave the commodore an
account of his expedition.
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