Thus prepared, she was exposed to the company of her own sex, being
first of all visited by the parson's daughter, who could not avoid
showing that civility to Mr. Hatchway's niece, after she had made
her public appearance at church. Mrs. Clover, who had a great share
of penetration, could not help entertaining some doubts about this
same relation, whose name she had never heard the uncle mention,
during the whole term of her residence at the garrison. But as the
young lady was treated in that character, she would not refuse her
acquaintance; and, after having seen her at the castle, actually
invited Miss Hatchway to her house. In short, she made a progress
through almost all the families in the neighbourhood; and by dint
of her quotations, which, by the bye, were not always judiciously
used, she passed for a sprightly young lady, of uncommon learning
and taste.
Peregrine having in this manner initiated her in the beau monde of
the country, conducted her to London, where she was provided with
private lodgings and a female attendant; and put her immediately
under the tuition of his valet-de-chambre, who had orders to instruct
her in dancing, and the French language.
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