Tobias Smollett

The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle

1751. OUP, 1969.

Gauntlet saw it would be too much for both to bear their present tantalizing situation till night, without some amusement to divert their thoughts; and therefore proposed to pass part of the evening at the public entertainments in Marylebone gardens, which were at that time frequented by the best company in town

Our hero has inherited a fortune on the death of his uncle, and has persuaded the fair Emilia to forgive his past transgressions and become his bride.

The new-married couple and their company having made shift to spend the evening, and supped on a slight collation in one of the boxes, Peregrine's patience was almost quite exhausted, and taking Godfrey aside, he imparted his intention to withdraw...The ladies were accordingly conducted to the coach, and Jack proposed to the captain, that, for the sake of the joke, the bridegroom should be plied with liquor, in such a manner as would effectually disable him from enjoying the fruits of his good-fortune for one night at least

Fortunately for the groom the captain is on his side, and ensures that it is Jack who passes out in the tavern while Peregrine 'hastened on the wings of love to the arms of his enchanting bride.'