Meanwhile, Peregrine no sooner read the first sentence than his
countenance, which before was overcast with a deep gloom, began to
be lighted up, and every feature unbending by degrees, he recovered
his serenity. Having perused the letter, his eyes sparkling with joy
and gratitude, he hugged the lieutenant in his arms, and presented
him to the ladies as one of his best friends. Jack met with a most
gracious reception, and shook Emilia by the hand, telling her,
with the familiar appellation of "old acquaintance" that he did not
care how soon he was master of such another clean-going frigate as
herself. The whole company partook of this favourable change that
evidently appeared in our lover's recollection, and enlivened his
conversation with such an uncommon flow of sprightliness and good
humour, as even made an impression on the iron countenance of Pipes
himself, who actually smiled with satisfaction as he walked behind
them.
The evening being pretty far advanced, they directed their course
homeward; and while the valet attended Hatchway to the inn, Peregrine
escorted the ladies to their lodgings, where he owned the justness
of Sophy's remark in saying he vas out of humour, and told them
he had been extremely chagrined at a difference which had happened
between him and his uncle, to whom, by the letter which they had
seen him receive, he now found himself happily reconciled.
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