freely upon every common subject. To this treaty of amity Lady Anne
Percival was guarantee.




CHAPTER XIX.

A WEDDING.


Belinda and Mr. Vincent could never agree in their definition of the-word
_flattery_; so that there were continual complaints on the one hand of a
breach of treaty, and, on the other, solemn protestations of the most
scrupulous adherence to his compact. However this might be, it is certain
that the gentleman gained so much, either by truth or fiction, that, in
the course of some weeks, he got the lady as far as "gratitude and
esteem."

One evening, Belinda was playing with little Charles Percival at
spillikins. Mr. Vincent, who found pleasure in every thing that amused
Belinda, and Mr. Percival, who took an interest in every thing which
entertained his children, were looking on at this simple game.

"Mr. Percival," said Belinda, "condescending to look at a game of
jack-straws!"

"Yes," said Lady Anne; "for he is of Dryden's opinion, that, if a straw
can be made the instrument of happiness, he is a wise man who does not
despise it."