( 111 )
and was followed by her gallant. They were no sooner gone, than an inquisitive whisper of “Who is he?” run round the room; and Chatter could give no other intelligence about him than that he was a man of fortune, just returned from his travels.
Meanwhile, I was tempted by the richness of the prize, to practise upon Miss Grapwell's heart, but soon found it too well fortified with pride and indifference to yield.
As I expected, every thing came to light next day: The barber, in pure simplicity of heart, detected himself to Melinda, and discovered the foundation of his hopes; she sickened at the affront, and was ashamed to shew her face in the public for many weeks after this accident. Chatter found it impossible to justify himself to her satisfaction was was in utter disgrace with Miss Gripewell, for having imposed me upon her as a nobleman.
One day I received. by the penny-post a letter written by woman's hand desiring to know whether or not my heart was engaged. by leaving an answer at a certain place, directed to R. B.; and the whole subscribed, Your's Incognita. I was transported with joy on finding the contents
