Peregrine, disconcerted at their sudden disappearance, stood for
some minutes gaping in the street, before he could get the better
of his surprise; and then deliberated with himself whether he should
demand immediate admittance to his mistress, or choose some other
method of application. Piqued at her abrupt behaviour, though
pleased with her spirit, he set his invention to work, in order to
contrive some means of seeing her: and in a fit of musing arrived
at the inn, where he found his companions, whom he had left at
the castle-gate. They had already made inquiry about the ladies;
in consequence of which he learnt that Miss Sophy was daughter
of a gentleman in town to which his mistress was related; that an
intimate friendship subsisted between the two young ladies; that
Emilia had lived almost a month with her cousin, and appeared
at the last assembly, where she was universally admired: and that
several young gentlemen of fortune had since that time teased her
with addresses.
Our hero's ambition was flattered, and his passion inflamed with
this intelligence; and he swore within himself that he would not
quit the spot until he should have obtained an undisputed victory
over all his rivals.
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