noon
He went to church with a view of attracting her notice , and humbled his deportment before her ; but she was so mischievously devout as to look at nothing but her book , so that he was not favoured with one glance of regard . He frequented the coffee-house , and attempted to contract an acquaintance with Miss Sophy 's father , who , he hoped , would invite him to his house : but this expectation was also defeated . That prudent gentleman looked upon him as one of those forward fortune-hunters who go about the country seeking whom they may devour , and warily discouraged all his advances . Chagrined by so many unsuccessful endeavours , he began to despair of accomplishing his aim ; and , as the last suggestion of his art , paid off his lodging , took horse at noon , and departed , in all appearance , for the place from whence he had come . He rode , but a few miles , and in the dusk of the evening returned unseen , alighted at another inn , ordered Pipes to stay within doors , and keeping himself incognito , employed another person as a sentinel upon Emilia . It was not long before he reaped the fruits of his ingenuity . Next day in the afternoon he was informed by his spy that the two young ladies were gone to walk in the park , whither he followed them on the instant , fully determined to come to an explanation with his mistress , even in presence of her friend , who might possibly be prevailed upon to interest herself in his behalf .