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 her lady, that I had endeavoured, by promises and persuasions, to prevail upon her to deliver a letter from me, which she had refused to charge herself with, until she should know Narcissa's sentiments of the matter.

I approved of her counsel, and our appointment being renewed for next day, left her with an intent of falling noon some method of being reconciled to the Squire, who I supposed was offended at the trick we had put upon him. With this view I consulted Freeman, who assured me there was no other method of pacifying him, than that of sacrificing ourselves for one night to an equal match of drinking with him. This I complied with; and determined to commit the debauch at my own lodgings. Mr. Freeman, who was to be of the party, went to the Squire to engage him, while I took care to furnish myself for his reception. My guests honoured me with their company in the evening, when Bruin declared to me, that he had drank many tuns of wine in his life, but was never served such a trick as I had played upon him the night before. I promised to atone for my trespass; and having ordered every man his bottle, began with a bumper to the health of Narcissa. The toasts circulated with great devotion, the liquor began to operate, our mirth grew noisy and as Freeman and I had the advantage of drinking small French claret, the savage was effect-