Charles, however, thus returned to my longing arms,
tender, faithful, and in health, was already a blessing too
mighty for my conception: but Charles in distress! . . .
Charles reduc'd, and broken down to his naked personal merit,
was such a circumstance, in favour of the sentiments I had
for him, as exceeded my utmost desires; and accordingly I
seemed so visibly charm'd, so out of time and measure pleas'd
at his mention of his ruin'd fortune, that he could account
for it no way, but that the joy of seeing him again had swal-
low'd up every other sense, or concern.
In the mean time, my woman had taken all possible care
of Charles's travelling companion; and as supper was coming
in, he was introduc'd to me, when I receiv'd him as became my
regard for all of Charles's acquaintance or friends.
We four then supp'd together, in the style of joy, con-
gratulation, and pleasing disorder that you may guess. For
my part, though all these agitations had left me not the
least stomach but for that uncloying feast, the sight of my
ador'd youth, I endeavour'd to force it, by way of example
for him, who I conjectur'd must want such a recruit after
riding; and, indeed, he ate like a traveller, but gaz'd at,
and addressed me all the time like a lover.
After the cloth was taken away, and the hour of repose
came on, Charles and I were, without further ceremony, in
quality of man and wife, shewn up together to a very handsome
apartment, and, all in course, the bed, they said, the best
in the inn.
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