"--"Respectful sentiments!"
cried my lady, with a look of ineffable disdain; "if I thought the
fellow had assurance enough to think of me in any shape, I protest
I would forbid him my house. Upon my honour, such instances of
audacity should induce persons of quality to keep your small gentry
at a greater distance; for they are very apt to grow impudent, upon
the least countenance or encouragement."
Cadwallader, satisfied with this declaration, changed the subject
of discourse, and next day communicated his discovery to his friend
Pickle, who upon this occasion felt the most stinging sensations
of mortified pride, and resolved to quit his prospect with a good
grace. Nor did the execution of this self-denying scheme cost him
one moment's uneasiness; for his heart had never been interested in
the pursuit, and his vanity triumphed in the thoughts of manifesting
his indifference. Accordingly, the very next time he visited her
grace, his behaviour was remarkably frank, sprightly and disengaged;
and the subject of love being artfully introduced by the widow,
who had been directed to sound his inclinations, he rallied the
passion with great ease and severity and made no scruple of declaring
himself heart-whole.
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