Peregrine, maddening with desire, assaulted her with the
most earnest entreaties, representing, that, as her mother's consent
was already obtained, there was surely no necessity for delay,
that must infallibly make a dangerous impression upon his brain and
constitution. He fell at her feet in all the agony of impatience;
and swore his life and intellects would actually be in jeopardy by
her refusal; and, when she attempted to argue him out of his demand,
began to rage with such extravagance, that Sophy was frightened
into conviction; and Godfrey enforcing the remonstrances of his
friend, the amiable Emilia was teased into compliance.
After breakfast the bridegroom and his companion set out for the
Commons for a licence, having first agreed upon the house at which
the ceremony should be performed, in the lodgings of the bride;
and the permission being obtained, they found means to engage
a clergyman, who undertook to attend them at their own time and
place. Then a ring was purchased for the occasion; and they went
in search of the lieutenant, with whom they dined at a tavern, and
not only made him acquainted with the steps they had taken, but
desired that he would stand godfather to the bride: an employment
which Jack accepted with demonstrations of particular satisfaction;
till chancing to look into the street, and seeing Cadwallader
approach the door, in consequence of a message they had sent to
him by Pipes, be declined the office in favour of the senior, who
was accordingly ordained for that purpose, on the supposition that
such a mark of regard might facilitate his concurrence with a match,
which otherwise he would certainly oppose, as he was a professed
enemy to wedlock, and, as yet, ignorant of Peregrine's intention.
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