Emilia, upon pretence of that supposition, was so much
alarmed, that she could not stand, and was fain to have recourse
to a smelling-bottle.
The bride, who understood the whole mystery, was the only person
that acted with deliberation and composure; she imputed Emilia's
disorder to the right cause, which was no other than concern for the
condition of her lover, and assured the ladies there was nothing
extraordinary in Mr. Pickle's going off, he being subject to fainting
fits, by which he was often overtaken without any previous notice.
The arrival of Gauntlet confirmed the truth of this declaration.
He made an apology to the company in the name of his friend, who,
he told them, was suddenly taken ill; and they returned to their
diversion of dancing, with this variation: Emilia was so disordered
and fatigued, that she begged to be excused from continuing the
exercise; and Peregrine's partner being disengaged, was paired with
the young officer, for whom she was originally designed. Meanwhile,
the bride withdrew into another apartment with her sister, and
expostulated with her upon her cruelty to Mr.
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