In the mean
time, he chose to live upon the reserve, because her natural talents
had as yet received but little cultivation; and he had not the most
implicit confidence in her virtue and discretion, which, it seems,
had like to have yielded to the addresses of an officer at Canterbury,
who had made shift to insinuate himself into her acquaintance and
favour.
Peregrine's curiosity being inflamed by this information, he lounged
about the yard, in hopes of seeing the dulcinea who had captivated
the old bachelor; and at length observing her at a window, took
the liberty of bowing to her with great respect. She returned the
compliment with a curtsy, and appeared so decent in her dress and
manner, that unless he had been previously informed of her former
life and conversation, he never would have dreamt that her education
was different from that of other ladies of fashion; so easy is it
to acquire that external deportment on which people of condition
value themselves so much. Not but that Mr. Pickle pretended to
distinguish a certain vulgar audacity in her countenance, which
in a lady of birth and fortune would have passed for an agreeable
vivacity that enlivens the aspect, and gives poignancy to every
feature; but as she possessed a pair of fine eyes, and a clear
complexion overspread with a glow of health, which never fails
of recommending the owner, he could not help gazing at her with
desire, and forming the design of making a conquest of her heart.
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