" Emily, well nigh overcome by this declaration, told him,
that as she taxed him with no guilt, she expected no atonement,
and pressed her companion to return to town. But Sophy, who was
too indulgent to her friend's real inclination to comply with her
request, observed that the gentleman seemed so reasonable in his
concessions, that she began to think her cousin was in the wrong,
and felt herself disposed to act as umpire in the dispute.
Overjoyed at this condescension, Mr. Pickle thanked her in the most
rapturous terms, and, in the transport of his expectation, kissed
the hand of his kind mediatrix--a circumstance which had a remarkable
effect on the countenance of Emilia, who did not seem to relish
the warmth of his acknowledgment.
After many supplications on one hand, and pressing remonstrances
on the other, she yielded at length, and, turning to her lover.
while her face was overspread with blushes,--"Well, sir," said
she, "supposing I were to put the difference on that issue, how
could you excuse the ridiculous letter which you sent to me from
Winchester?" This expostulation introduced a discussion of the whole
affair, in which all the circumstances were canvassed; and Emilia
still affirmed, with great heat, that the letter must have been
calculated to affront her; for she could not suppose the author
was so weak as to design it for any other purpose.
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