of gallantry he performed in such a reluctant, uncouth, indignant
manner, that the nymph had need of all her resolution to endure the
compliment without shrinking; and he himself was so disconcerted
at what he had done, that he instantly retired to the other end of
the room, where he sat silent, and broiled with shame and vexation.

Mrs. Pickle, like a sensible matron, quitted the place, on pretence
of going to the nursery; and Mr. Hatchway, taking the hint,
recollected that he had left his tobacco-pouch in the parlour, whither
he descended, leaving the two lovers to their mutual endearments.
Never had the commodore found himself in such a disagreeable dilemma
before. He sat in an agony of suspense, as if he every moment
dreaded the dissolution of nature; and the imploring sighs of his
future bride added, if possible, to the pangs of his distress.
Impatient of this situation, he rolled his eye around in quest
of some relief, and, unable to contain himself, exclaimed, "D--n
seize the fellow and his pouch too! I believe he has sheered off,
and left me here in the stays."

Mrs. Grizzle, who could not help taking some notice of this manifestation
of chagrin, lamented her unhappy fate in being so disagreeable to
him, that he could not put up with her company for a few moments
without repining; and began in very tender terms to reproach him
with his inhumanity and indifference. To this expostulation he
replied, "Zounds! what would the woman have? Let the parson do his
office when he wool: here I am ready to be reeved in the matrimonial
block, d'ye see, and d-- all nonsensical palaver." So saying, he
retreated, leaving his mistress not at all disobliged at his plain
dealing. That same evening the treaty of marriage was brought upon
the carpet, and, by means of Mr. Pickle and the lieutenant, settled