but the pure dictates of that laudable ambition, which prompted
her to the preservation of the family name. Nay, so disinterested
was she in this pursuit, that, postponing her nearest concern, or
at least leaving her own fate to the silent operation of her charms,
she laboured with such indefatigable zeal in behalf of her brother,
that before they had been three months settled in the country, the
general topic of conversation in the neighbourhood was an intended
match between the rich Mr. Pickle and the fair Miss Appleby, daughter
of a gentleman who lived in the next parish, and who though he had
but little fortune to bestow upon his children, had, to use his
own phrase, replenished their veins with some of the best blood in
the country.

This young lady, whose character and disposition Mrs. Grizzle had
investigated to her own satisfaction, was destined for the spouse
of Mr. Pickle; and an overture accordingly made to her father,
who, being overjoyed at the proposal, gave his consent without
hesitation, and even recommended the immediate execution of the
project with such eagerness, as seemed to indicate either a suspicion
of Mr. Pickle's constancy, or a diffidence of his own daughter's
complexion, which perhaps he thought too sanguine to keep much
longer cool. The previous point being thus settled, our merchant,
at the instigation of Mrs. Grizzle, went to visit his future
father-in-law, and was introduced to the daughter, with whom he
had, that same afternoon, an opportunity of being alone. What passed
in that interview I never could learn, though from the character
of the suitor, the reader may justly conclude that she was not
much teased with the impertinence of his addresses. He was not, I
believe, the less welcome for that reason: certain it is she made
no objection to his taciturnity; and when her father communicated