Pipes was stationed all day long within sight of her door, that
he might be able to give his master an account of her motions; but
she never went abroad except to visit in the neighbourhood, and was
always housed before Peregrine could be apprised of her appearance.
He went to church with a view of attracting her notice, and humbled
his deportment before her; but she was so mischievously devout as
to look at nothing but her book, so that he was not favoured with
one glance of regard. He frequented the coffee-house, and attempted to
contract an acquaintance with Miss Sophy's father, who, he hoped,
would invite him to his house: but this expectation was also
defeated. That prudent gentleman looked upon him as one of those
forward fortune-hunters who go about the country seeking whom they
may devour, and warily discouraged all his advances. Chagrined by
so many unsuccessful endeavours, he began to despair of accomplishing
his aim; and, as the last suggestion of his art, paid off his
lodging, took horse at noon, and departed, in all appearance, for
the place from whence he had come.
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