BOOK XVII.

CONTAINING THREE DAYS.

Chapter i.

Containing a portion of introductory writing.

When a comic writer hath made his principal characters as happy as he

can, or when a tragic writer hath brought them to the highest pitch of

human misery, they both conclude their business to be done, and that

their work is come to a period.

Had we been of the tragic complexion, the reader must now allow we

were very nearly arrived at this period, since it would be difficult

for the devil, or any of his representatives on earth, to have

contrived much greater torments for poor Jones than those in which we

left him in the last chapter; and as for Sophia, a good-natured woman

would hardly wish more uneasiness to a rival than what she must at

present be supposed to feel. What then remains to complete the tragedy

but a murder or two and a few moral sentences!

But to bring our favourites out of their present anguish and distress,

and to land them at last on the shore of happiness, seems a much

harder task; a task indeed so hard that we do not undertake to execute

it. In regard to Sophia, it is more than probable that we shall

somewhere or other provide a good husband for her in the end--either

Blifil, or my lord, or somebody else; but as to poor Jones, such are

the calamities in which he is at present involved, owing to his

imprudence, by which if a man doth not become felon to the world, he

is at least a _felo de se_; so destitute is he now of friends, and so

persecuted by enemies, that we almost despair of bringing him to any

good; and if our reader delights in seeing executions, I think he

ought not to lose any time in taking a first row at Tyburn.

This I faithfully promise, that, notwithstanding any affection which

we may be supposed to have for this rogue, whom we have unfortunately

made our heroe, we will lend him none of that supernatural assistance

with which we are entrusted, upon condition that we use it only on

very important occasions. If he doth not therefore find some natural

means of fairly extricating himself from all his distresses, we will

do no violence to the truth and dignity of history for his sake; for

we had rather relate that he was hanged at Tyburn (which may very

probably be the case) than forfeit our integrity, or shock the faith

of our reader.

In this the antients had a great advantage over the moderns. Their

mythology, which was at that time more firmly believed by the vulgar

than any religion is at present, gave them always an opportunity of

delivering a favourite heroe. Their deities were always ready at the

writer's elbow, to execute any of his purposes; and the more

extraordinary the invention was, the greater was the surprize and

delight of the credulous reader. Those writers could with greater ease

have conveyed a heroe from one country to another, nay from one world

to another, and have brought him back again, than a poor circumscribed

modern can deliver him from a jail.

The Arabians and Persians had an equal advantage in writing their

tales from the genii and fairies, which they believe in as an article

of their faith, upon the authority of the Koran itself. But we have

none of these helps. To natural means alone we are confined; let us

try therefore what, by these means, may be done for poor Jones; though

to confess the truth, something whispers me in the ear that he doth

not yet know the worst of his fortune; and that a more shocking piece

of news than any he hath yet heard remains for him in the unopened

leaves of fate.

Chapter ii.

The generous and grateful behaviour of Mrs Miller.

Mr Allworthy and Mrs Miller were just sat down to breakfast, when

Blifil, who had gone out very early that morning, returned to make one

of the company.

He had not been long seated before he began as follows: “Good Lord! my

dear uncle, what do you think hath happened? I vow I am afraid of

telling it you, for fear of shocking you with the remembrance of ever

having shewn any kindness to such a villain.” “What is the matter,

child?” said the uncle. “I fear I have shewn kindness in my life to

the unworthy more than once. But charity doth not adopt the vices of

its objects.” “O, sir!” returned Blifil, “it is not without the secret

direction of Providence that you mention the word adoption. Your

adopted son, sir, that Jones, that wretch whom you nourished in your

bosom, hath proved one of the greatest villains upon earth.” “By all

that's sacred 'tis false,” cries Mrs Miller. “Mr Jones is no villain.

He is one of the worthiest creatures breathing; and if any other

person had called him villain, I would have thrown all this boiling

water in his face.” Mr Allworthy looked very much amazed at this

behaviour. But she did not give him leave to speak, before, turning to

him, she cried, “I hope you will not be angry with me; I would not

offend you, sir, for the world; but, indeed, I could not bear to hear

him called so.” “I must own, madam,” said Allworthy, very gravely, “I

am a little surprized to hear you so warmly defend a fellow you do not

know.” “O! I do know him, Mr Allworthy,” said she, “indeed I do; I

should be the most ungrateful of all wretches if I denied it. O! he

hath preserved me and my little family; we have all reason to bless

him while we live.--And I pray Heaven to bless him, and turn the

hearts of his malicious enemies. I know, I find, I see, he hath such.”

“You surprize me, madam, still more,” said Allworthy; “sure you must

mean some other. It is impossible you should have any such obligations

to the man my nephew mentions.” “Too surely,” answered she, “I have

obligations to him of the greatest and tenderest kind. He hath been

the preserver of me and mine. Believe me, sir, he hath been abused,

grossly abused to you; I know he hath, or you, whom I know to be all

goodness and honour, would not, after the many kind and tender things

I have heard you say of this poor helpless child, have so disdainfully

called him fellow.--Indeed, my best of friends, he deserves a kinder

appellation from you, had you heard the good, the kind, the grateful

things which I have heard him utter of you. He never mentions your

name but with a sort of adoration. In this very room I have seen him

on his knees, imploring all the blessings of heaven upon your head. I

do not love that child there better than he loves you.”

“I see, sir, now,” said Blifil, with one of those grinning sneers with

which the devil marks his best beloved, “Mrs Miller really doth know

him. I suppose you will find she is not the only one of your

acquaintance to whom he hath exposed you. As for my character, I

perceive, by some hints she hath thrown out, he hath been very free

with it, but I forgive him.” “And the Lord forgive you, sir!” said Mrs

Miller; “we have all sins enough to stand in need of his forgiveness.”

“Upon my word, Mrs Miller,” said Allworthy, “I do not take this

behaviour of yours to my nephew kindly; and I do assure you, as any

reflections which you cast upon him must come only from that wickedest

of men, they would only serve, if that were possible, to heighten my

resentment against him: for I must tell you, Mrs Miller, the young man

who now stands before you hath ever been the warmest advocate for the

ungrateful wretch whose cause you espouse. This, I think, when you

hear it from my own mouth, will make you wonder at so much baseness

and ingratitude.”

“You are deceived, sir,” answered Mrs Miller; “if they were the last

words which were to issue from my lips, I would say you were deceived;

and I once more repeat it, the Lord forgive those who have deceived

you! I do not pretend to say the young man is without faults; but they

are all the faults of wildness and of youth; faults which he may, nay,

which I am certain he will, relinquish, and, if he should not, they

are vastly overbalanced by one of the most humane, tender, honest

hearts that ever man was blest with.”

“Indeed, Mrs Miller,” said Allworthy, “had this been related of you, I

should not have believed it.” “Indeed, sir,” answered she, “you will

believe everything I have said, I am sure you will: and when you have

heard the story which I shall tell you (for I will tell you all), you

will be so far from being offended, that you will own (I know your

justice so well), that I must have been the most despicable and most

ungrateful of wretches if I had acted any other part than I have.”

“Well, madam,” said Allworthy, “I shall be very glad to hear any good

excuse for a behaviour which, I must confess, I think wants an excuse.

And now, madam, will you be pleased to let my nephew proceed in his

story without interruption. He would not have introduced a matter of

slight consequence with such a preface. Perhaps even this story will

cure you of your mistake.”

Mrs Miller gave tokens of submission, and then Mr Blifil began thus:

“I am sure, sir, if you don't think proper to resent the ill-usage of

Mrs Miller, I shall easily forgive what affects me only. I think your

goodness hath not deserved this indignity at her hands.” “Well,

child,” said Allworthy, “but what is this new instance? What hath he

done of late?” “What,” cries Blifil, “notwithstanding all Mrs Miller

hath said, I am very sorry to relate, and what you should never have

heard from me, had it not been a matter impossible to conceal from the

whole world. In short he hath killed a man; I will not say

murdered--for perhaps it may not be so construed in law, and I hope

the best for his sake.”

Allworthy looked shocked, and blessed himself; and then, turning to

Mrs Miller, he cried, “Well, madam, what say you now?”

“Why, I say, sir,” answered she, “that I never was more concerned at

anything in my life; but, if the fact be true, I am convinced the man,

whoever he is, was in fault. Heaven knows there are many villains in

this town who make it their business to provoke young gentlemen.

Nothing but the greatest provocation could have tempted him; for of

all the gentlemen I ever had in my house, I never saw one so gentle or

so sweet-tempered. He was beloved by every one in the house, and every

one who came near it.”

While she was thus running on, a violent knocking at the door

interrupted their conversation, and prevented her from proceeding

further, or from receiving any answer; for, as she concluded this was

a visitor to Mr Allworthy, she hastily retired, taking with her her

little girl, whose eyes were all over blubbered at the melancholy news

she heard of Jones, who used to call her his little wife, and not only

gave her many playthings, but spent whole hours in playing with her

himself.

Some readers may, perhaps, be pleased with these minute circumstances,

in relating of which we follow the example of Plutarch, one of the

best of our brother historians; and others, to whom they may appear

trivial, will, we hope, at least pardon them, as we are never prolix

on such occasions.

Chapter iii.

The arrival of Mr Western, with some matters concerning the paternal

authority.

Mrs Miller had not long left the room when Mr Western entered; but not

before a small wrangling bout had passed between him and his chairmen;

for the fellows, who had taken up their burden at the Hercules

Pillars, had conceived no hopes of having any future good customer in

the squire; and they were moreover farther encouraged by his

generosity (for he had given them of his own accord sixpence more than

their fare); they therefore very boldly demanded another shilling,

which so provoked the squire, that he not only bestowed many hearty

curses on them at the door, but retained his anger after he came into

the room; swearing that all the Londoners were like the court, and

thought of nothing but plundering country gentlemen. “D--n me,” says

he, “if I won't walk in the rain rather than get into one of their

hand-barrows again. They have jolted me more in a mile than Brown Bess

would in a long fox-chase.”

When his wrath on this occasion was a little appeased, he resumed the

same passionate tone on another. “There,” says he, “there is fine

business forwards now. The hounds have changed at last; and when we

imagined we had a fox to deal with, od-rat it, it turns out to be a

badger at last!”

“Pray, my good neighbour,” said Allworthy, “drop your metaphors, and

speak a little plainer.” “Why, then,” says the squire, “to tell you

plainly, we have been all this time afraid of a son of a whore of a

bastard of somebody's, I don't know whose, not I. And now here's a

confounded son of a whore of a lord, who may be a bastard too for what

I know or care, for he shall never have a daughter of mine by my

consent. They have beggared the nation, but they shall never beggar

me. My land shall never be sent over to Hanover.”

“You surprize me much, my good friend,” said Allworthy. “Why, zounds!

I am surprized myself,” answered the squire. “I went to zee sister

Western last night, according to her own appointment, and there I was

had into a whole room full of women. There was my lady cousin

Bellaston, and my Lady Betty, and my Lady Catherine, and my lady I

don't know who; d--n me, if ever you catch me among such a kennel of

hoop-petticoat b--s! D--n me, I'd rather be run by my own dogs, as one

Acton was, that the story-book says was turned into a hare, and his

own dogs killed un and eat un. Od-rabbit it, no mortal was ever run in

such a manner; if I dodged one way, one had me; if I offered to clap

back, another snapped me. `O! certainly one of the greatest matches in

England,' says one cousin (here he attempted to mimic them); `A very

advantageous offer indeed,' cries another cousin (for you must know

they be all my cousins, thof I never zeed half o' um before).

`Surely,' says that fat a--se b--, my Lady Bellaston, `cousin, you

must be out of your wits to think of refusing such an offer.'”

“Now I begin to understand,” says Allworthy; “some person hath made

proposals to Miss Western, which the ladies of the family approve, but

is not to your liking.”

“My liking!” said Western, “how the devil should it? I tell you it is

a lord, and those are always volks whom you know I always resolved to

have nothing to do with. Did unt I refuse a matter of vorty years'

purchase now for a bit of land, which one o' um had a mind to put into

a park, only because I would have no dealings with lords, and dost

think I would marry my daughter zu? Besides, ben't I engaged to you,

and did I ever go off any bargain when I had promised?”

“As to that point, neighbour,” said Allworthy, “I entirely release you

from any engagement. No contract can be binding between parties who

have not a full power to make it at the time, nor ever afterwards

acquire the power of fulfilling it.”

“Slud! then,” answered Western, “I tell you I have power, and I will

fulfil it. Come along with me directly to Doctors' Commons, I will get

a licence; and I will go to sister and take away the wench by force,

and she shall ha un, or I will lock her up, and keep her upon bread

and water as long as she lives.”

“Mr Western,” said Allworthy, “shall I beg you will hear my full

sentiments on this matter?”--“Hear thee; ay, to be sure I will,”

answered he. “Why, then, sir,” cries Allworthy, “I can truly say,

without a compliment either to you or the young lady, that when this

match was proposed, I embraced it very readily and heartily, from my

regard to you both. An alliance between two families so nearly

neighbours, and between whom there had always existed so mutual an

intercourse and good harmony, I thought a most desirable event; and

with regard to the young lady, not only the concurrent opinion of all

who knew her, but my own observation assured me that she would be an

inestimable treasure to a good husband. I shall say nothing of her

personal qualifications, which certainly are admirable; her good

nature, her charitable disposition, her modesty, are too well known to

need any panegyric: but she hath one quality which existed in a high

degree in that best of women, who is now one of the first of angels,

which, as it is not of a glaring kind, more commonly escapes

observation; so little indeed is it remarked, that I want a word to

express it. I must use negatives on this occasion. I never heard

anything of pertness, or what is called repartee, out of her mouth; no

pretence to wit, much less to that kind of wisdom which is the result

only of great learning and experience, the affectation of which, in a

young woman, is as absurd as any of the affectations of an ape. No

dictatorial sentiments, no judicial opinions, no profound criticisms.

Whenever I have seen her in the company of men, she hath been all

attention, with the modesty of a learner, not the forwardness of a

teacher. You'll pardon me for it, but I once, to try her only, desired

her opinion on a point which was controverted between Mr Thwackum and

Mr Square. To which she answered, with much sweetness, `You will

pardon me, good Mr Allworthy; I am sure you cannot in earnest think me

capable of deciding any point in which two such gentlemen disagree.'

Thwackum and Square, who both alike thought themselves sure of a

favourable decision, seconded my request. She answered with the same

good humour, `I must absolutely be excused: for I will affront neither

so much as to give my judgment on his side.' Indeed, she always shewed

the highest deference to the understandings of men; a quality

absolutely essential to the making a good wife. I shall only add, that

as she is most apparently void of all affectation, this deference must

be certainly real.”

Here Blifil sighed bitterly; upon which Western, whose eyes were full

of tears at the praise of Sophia, blubbered out, “Don't be

chicken-hearted, for shat ha her, d--n me, shat ha her, if she was

twenty times as good.”

“Remember your promise, sir,” cried Allworthy, “I was not to be

interrupted.” “Well, shat unt,” answered the squire; “I won't speak

another word.”

“Now, my good friend,” continued Allworthy, “I have dwelt so long on

the merit of this young lady, partly as I really am in love with her

character, and partly that fortune (for the match in that light is

really advantageous on my nephew's side) might not be imagined to be

my principal view in having so eagerly embraced the proposal. Indeed,

I heartily wished to receive so great a jewel into my family; but

though I may wish for many good things, I would not, therefore, steal

them, or be guilty of any violence or injustice to possess myself of

them. Now to force a woman into a marriage contrary to her consent or

approbation, is an act of such injustice and oppression, that I wish

the laws of our country could restrain it; but a good conscience is

never lawless in the worst regulated state, and will provide those

laws for itself, which the neglect of legislators hath forgotten to

supply. This is surely a case of that kind; for, is it not cruel, nay,

impious, to force a woman into that state against her will; for her

behaviour in which she is to be accountable to the highest and most

dreadful court of judicature, and to answer at the peril of her soul?

To discharge the matrimonial duties in an adequate manner is no easy

task; and shall we lay this burthen upon a woman, while we at the same

time deprive her of all that assistance which may enable her to

undergo it? Shall we tear her very heart from her, while we enjoin her

duties to which a whole heart is scarce equal? I must speak very

plainly here. I think parents who act in this manner are accessories

to all the guilt which their children afterwards incur, and of course

must, before a just judge, expect to partake of their punishment; but

if they could avoid this, good heaven! is there a soul who can bear

the thought of having contributed to the damnation of his child?

“For these reasons, my best neighbour, as I see the inclinations of

this young lady are most unhappily averse to my nephew, I must decline

any further thoughts of the honour you intended him, though I assure

you I shall always retain the most grateful sense of it.”

“Well, sir,” said Western (the froth bursting forth from his lips the

moment they were uncorked), “you cannot say but I have heard you out,

and now I expect you'll hear me; and if I don't answer every word

on't, why then I'll consent to gee the matter up. First then, I

desire you to answer me one question--Did not I beget her? did not I

beget her? answer me that. They say, indeed, it is a wise father that

knows his own child; but I am sure I have the best title to her, for

I bred her up. But I believe you will allow me to be her father, and

if I be, am I not to govern my own child? I ask you that, am I not to

govern my own child? and if I am to govern her in other matters,

surely I am to govern her in this, which concerns her most. And what

am I desiring all this while? Am I desiring her to do anything for

me? to give me anything?--Zu much on t'other side, that I am only

desiring her to take away half my estate now, and t'other half when I

die. Well, and what is it all vor? Why, is unt it to make her happy?

It's enough to make one mad to hear volks talk; if I was going to

marry myself, then she would ha reason to cry and to blubber; but, on

the contrary, han't I offered to bind down my land in such a manner,

that I could not marry if I would, seeing as narro' woman upon earth

would ha me. What the devil in hell can I do more? I contribute to

her damnation!--Zounds! I'd zee all the world d--n'd bevore her

little vinger should be hurt. Indeed, Mr Allworthy, you must excuse

me, but I am surprized to hear you talk in zuch a manner, and I must

say, take it how you will, that I thought you had more sense.”

Allworthy resented this reflection only with a smile; nor could he, if

he would have endeavoured it, have conveyed into that smile any

mixture of malice or contempt. His smiles at folly were indeed such as

we may suppose the angels bestow on the absurdities of mankind.

Blifil now desired to be permitted to speak a few words. “As to using

any violence on the young lady, I am sure I shall never consent to it.

My conscience will not permit me to use violence on any one, much less

on a lady for whom, however cruel she is to me, I shall always

preserve the purest and sincerest affection; but yet I have read that

women are seldom proof against perseverance. Why may I not hope then

by such perseverance at last to gain those inclinations, in which for

the future I shall, perhaps, have no rival; for as for this lord, Mr

Western is so kind to prefer me to him; and sure, sir, you will not

deny but that a parent hath at least a negative voice in these

matters; nay, I have heard this very young lady herself say so more

than once, and declare that she thought children inexcusable who

married in direct opposition to the will of their parents. Besides,

though the other ladies of the family seem to favour the pretensions

of my lord, I do not find the lady herself is inclined to give him any

countenance; alas! I am too well assured she is not; I am too sensible

that wickedest of men remains uppermost in her heart.”

“Ay, ay, so he does,” cries Western.

“But surely,” says Blifil, “when she hears of this murder which he

hath committed, if the law should spare his life----”

“What's that?” cries Western. “Murder! hath he committed a murder, and

is there any hopes of seeing him hanged?--Tol de rol, tol lol de rol.”

Here he fell a singing and capering about the room.

“Child,” says Allworthy, “this unhappy passion of yours distresses me

beyond measure. I heartily pity you, and would do every fair thing to

promote your success.”

“I desire no more,” cries Blifil; “I am convinced my dear uncle hath a

better opinion of me than to think that I myself would accept of

more.”

“Lookee,” says Allworthy, “you have my leave to write, to visit, if

she will permit it--but I insist on no thoughts of violence. I will

have no confinement, nothing of that kind attempted.”

“Well, well,” cries the squire, “nothing of that kind shall be

attempted; we will try a little longer what fair means will effect;

and if this fellow be but hanged out of the way--Tol lol de rol! I

never heard better news in my life--I warrant everything goes to my

mind.--Do, prithee, dear Allworthy, come and dine with me at the

Hercules Pillars: I have bespoke a shoulder of mutton roasted, and a

spare-rib of pork, and a fowl and egg-sauce. There will be nobody but

ourselves, unless we have a mind to have the landlord; for I have sent

Parson Supple down to Basingstoke after my tobacco-box, which I left

at an inn there, and I would not lose it for the world; for it is an

old acquaintance of above twenty years' standing. I can tell you

landlord is a vast comical bitch, you will like un hugely.”

Mr Allworthy at last agreed to this invitation, and soon after the

squire went off, singing and capering at the hopes of seeing the

speedy tragical end of poor Jones.

When he was gone, Mr Allworthy resumed the aforesaid subject with much

gravity. He told his nephew, “He wished with all his heart he would

endeavour to conquer a passion, in which I cannot,” says he, “flatter

you with any hopes of succeeding. It is certainly a vulgar error, that

aversion in a woman may be conquered by perseverance. Indifference

may, perhaps, sometimes yield to it; but the usual triumphs gained by

perseverance in a lover are over caprice, prudence, affectation, and

often an exorbitant degree of levity, which excites women not

over-warm in their constitutions to indulge their vanity by prolonging

the time of courtship, even when they are well enough pleased with the

object, and resolve (if they ever resolve at all) to make him a very

pitiful amends in the end. But a fixed dislike, as I am afraid this

is, will rather gather strength than be conquered by time. Besides, my

dear, I have another apprehension which you must excuse. I am afraid

this passion which you have for this fine young creature hath her

beautiful person too much for its object, and is unworthy of the name

of that love which is the only foundation of matrimonial felicity. To

admire, to like, and to long for the possession of a beautiful woman,

without any regard to her sentiments towards us, is, I am afraid, too

natural; but love, I believe, is the child of love only; at least, I

am pretty confident that to love the creature who we are assured hates

us is not in human nature. Examine your heart, therefore, thoroughly,

my good boy, and if, upon examination, you have but the least

suspicion of this kind, I am sure your own virtue and religion will

impel you to drive so vicious a passion from your heart, and your good

sense will soon enable you to do it without pain.”

The reader may pretty well guess Blifil's answer; but, if he should be

at a loss, we are not at present at leisure to satisfy him, as our

history now hastens on to matters of higher importance, and we can no

longer bear to be absent from Sophia.

Chapter iv.

An extraordinary scene between Sophia and her aunt.

The lowing heifer and the bleating ewe, in herds and flocks, may

ramble safe and unregarded through the pastures. These are, indeed,

hereafter doomed to be the prey of man; yet many years are they

suffered to enjoy their liberty undisturbed. But if a plump doe be

discovered to have escaped from the forest, and to repose herself in

some field or grove, the whole parish is presently alarmed, every man

is ready to set his dogs after her; and, if she is preserved from the

rest by the good squire, it is only that he may secure her for his own

eating.

I have often considered a very fine young woman of fortune and

fashion, when first found strayed from the pale of her nursery, to be

in pretty much the same situation with this doe. The town is

immediately in an uproar; she is hunted from park to play, from court

to assembly, from assembly to her own chamber, and rarely escapes a

single season from the jaws of some devourer or other; for, if her

friends protect her from some, it is only to deliver her over to one

of their own chusing, often more disagreeable to her than any of the

rest; while whole herds or flocks of other women securely, and scarce

regarded, traverse the park, the play, the opera, and the assembly;

and though, for the most part at least, they are at last devoured, yet

for a long time do they wanton in liberty, without disturbance or

controul.

Of all these paragons none ever tasted more of this persecution than

poor Sophia. Her ill stars were not contented with all that she had

suffered on account of Blifil, they now raised her another pursuer,

who seemed likely to torment her no less than the other had done. For

though her aunt was less violent, she was no less assiduous in teizing

her, than her father had been before.

The servants were no sooner departed after dinner than Mrs Western,

who had opened the matter to Sophia, informed her, “That she expected

his lordship that very afternoon, and intended to take the first

opportunity of leaving her alone with him.” “If you do, madam,”

answered Sophia, with some spirit, “I shall take the first opportunity

of leaving him by himself.” “How! madam!” cries the aunt; “is this the

return you make me for my kindness in relieving you from your

confinement at your father's?” “You know, madam,” said Sophia, “the

cause of that confinement was a refusal to comply with my father in

accepting a man I detested; and will my dear aunt, who hath relieved

me from that distress, involve me in another equally bad?” “And do you

think then, madam,” answered Mrs Western, “that there is no difference

between my Lord Fellamar and Mr Blifil?” “Very little, in my opinion,”

cries Sophia; “and, if I must be condemned to one, I would certainly

have the merit of sacrificing myself to my father's pleasure.” “Then

my pleasure, I find,” said the aunt, “hath very little weight with

you; but that consideration shall not move me. I act from nobler

motives. The view of aggrandizing my family, of ennobling yourself, is

what I proceed upon. Have you no sense of ambition? Are there no

charms in the thoughts of having a coronet on your coach?” “None, upon

my honour,” said Sophia. “A pincushion upon my coach would please me

just as well.” “Never mention honour,” cries the aunt. “It becomes not

the mouth of such a wretch. I am sorry, niece, you force me to use

these words, but I cannot bear your groveling temper; you have none of

the blood of the Westerns in you. But, however mean and base your own

ideas are, you shall bring no imputation on mine. I will never suffer

the world to say of me that I encouraged you in refusing one of the

best matches in England; a match which, besides its advantage in

fortune, would do honour to almost any family, and hath, indeed, in

title, the advantage of ours.” “Surely,” says Sophia, “I am born

deficient, and have not the senses with which other people are

blessed; there must be certainly some sense which can relish the

delights of sound and show, which I have not; for surely mankind would

not labour so much, nor sacrifice so much for the obtaining, nor would

they be so elate and proud with possessing, what appeared to them, as

it doth to me, the most insignificant of all trifles.”

“No, no, miss,” cries the aunt; “you are born with as many senses as

other people; but I assure you you are not born with a sufficient

understanding to make a fool of me, or to expose my conduct to the

world; so I declare this to you, upon my word, and you know, I

believe, how fixed my resolutions are, unless you agree to see his

lordship this afternoon, I will, with my own hands, deliver you

to-morrow morning to my brother, and will never henceforth interfere

with you, nor see your face again.” Sophia stood a few moments silent

after this speech, which was uttered in a most angry and peremptory

tone; and then, bursting into tears, she cryed, “Do with me, madam,

whatever you please; I am the most miserable undone wretch upon earth;

if my dear aunt forsakes me where shall I look for a protector?” “My

dear niece,” cries she, “you will have a very good protector in his

lordship; a protector whom nothing but a hankering after that vile

fellow Jones can make you decline.” “Indeed, madam,” said Sophia, “you

wrong me. How can you imagine, after what you have shewn me, if I had

ever any such thoughts, that I should not banish them for ever? If it

will satisfy you, I will receive the sacrament upon it never to see

his face again.” “But, child, dear child,” said the aunt, “be

reasonable; can you invent a single objection?” “I have already, I

think, told you a sufficient objection,” answered Sophia. “What?”

cries the aunt; “I remember none.” “Sure, madam,” said Sophia, “I told

you he had used me in the rudest and vilest manner.” “Indeed, child,”

answered she, “I never heard you, or did not understand you:--but what

do you mean by this rude, vile manner?” “Indeed, madam,” said Sophia,

“I am almost ashamed to tell you. He caught me in his arms, pulled me

down upon the settee, and thrust his hand into my bosom, and kissed it

with such violence that I have the mark upon my left breast at this

moment.” “Indeed!” said Mrs Western. “Yes, indeed, madam,” answered

Sophia; “my father luckily came in at that instant, or Heaven knows

what rudeness he intended to have proceeded to.” “I am astonished and

confounded,” cries the aunt. “No woman of the name of Western hath

been ever treated so since we were a family. I would have torn the

eyes of a prince out, if he had attempted such freedoms with me. It is

impossible! sure, Sophia, you must invent this to raise my indignation

against him.” “I hope, madam,” said Sophia, “you have too good an

opinion of me to imagine me capable of telling an untruth. Upon my

soul it is true.” “I should have stabbed him to the heart, had I been

present,” returned the aunt. “Yet surely he could have no

dishonourable design; it is impossible! he durst not: besides, his

proposals shew he hath not; for they are not only honourable, but

generous. I don't know; the age allows too great freedoms. A distant

salute is all I would have allowed before the ceremony. I have had

lovers formerly, not so long ago neither; several lovers, though I

never would consent to marriage, and I never encouraged the least

freedom. It is a foolish custom, and what I never would agree to. No

man kissed more of me than my cheek. It is as much as one can bring

oneself to give lips up to a husband; and, indeed, could I ever have

been persuaded to marry, I believe I should not have soon been brought

to endure so much.” “You will pardon me, dear madam,” said Sophia, “if

I make one observation: you own you have had many lovers, and the

world knows it, even if you should deny it. You refused them all, and,

I am convinced, one coronet at least among them.” “You say true, dear

Sophy,” answered she; “I had once the offer of a title.” “Why, then,”

said Sophia, “will you not suffer me to refuse this once?” “It is

true, child,” said she, “I have refused the offer of a title; but it

was not so good an offer; that is, not so very, very good an

offer.”--“Yes, madam,” said Sophia; “but you have had very great

proposals from men of vast fortunes. It was not the first, nor the

second, nor the third advantageous match that offered itself.” “I own

it was not,” said she. “Well, madam,” continued Sophia, “and why may

not I expect to have a second, perhaps, better than this? You are now

but a young woman, and I am convinced would not promise to yield to

the first lover of fortune, nay, or of title too. I am a very young

woman, and sure I need not despair.” “Well, my dear, dear Sophy,”

cries the aunt, “what would you have me say?” “Why, I only beg that I

may not be left alone, at least this evening; grant me that, and I

will submit, if you think, after what is past, I ought to see him in

your company.” “Well, I will grant it,” cries the aunt. “Sophy, you

know I love you, and can deny you nothing. You know the easiness of my

nature; I have not always been so easy. I have been formerly thought

cruel; by the men, I mean. I was called the cruel Parthenissa. I have

broke many a window that has had verses to the cruel Parthenissa in

it. Sophy, I was never so handsome as you, and yet I had something of

you formerly. I am a little altered. Kingdoms and states, as Tully

Cicero says in his epistles, undergo alterations, and so must the

human form.” Thus run she on for near half an hour upon herself, and

her conquests, and her cruelty, till the arrival of my lord, who,

after a most tedious visit, during which Mrs Western never once

offered to leave the room, retired, not much more satisfied with the

aunt than with the niece; for Sophia had brought her aunt into so

excellent a temper, that she consented to almost everything her niece

said; and agreed that a little distant behaviour might not be improper

to so forward a lover.

Thus Sophia, by a little well-directed flattery, for which surely none

will blame her, obtained a little ease for herself, and, at least, put

off the evil day. And now we have seen our heroine in a better

situation than she hath been for a long time before, we will look a

little after Mr Jones, whom we left in the most deplorable situation

that can be well imagined.

Chapter v.

Mrs Miller and Mr Nightingale visit Jones in the prison.

When Mr Allworthy and his nephew went to meet Mr Western, Mrs Miller

set forwards to her son-in-law's lodgings, in order to acquaint him

with the accident which had befallen his friend Jones; but he had

known it long before from Partridge (for Jones, when he left Mrs

Miller, had been furnished with a room in the same house with Mr

Nightingale). The good woman found her daughter under great affliction

on account of Mr Jones, whom having comforted as well as she could,

she set forwards to the Gatehouse, where she heard he was, and where

Mr Nightingale was arrived before her.

The firmness and constancy of a true friend is a circumstance so

extremely delightful to persons in any kind of distress, that the

distress itself, if it be only temporary, and admits of relief, is

more than compensated by bringing this comfort with it. Nor are

instances of this kind so rare as some superficial and inaccurate

observers have reported. To say the truth, want of compassion is not

to be numbered among our general faults. The black ingredient which

fouls our disposition is envy. Hence our eye is seldom, I am afraid,

turned upward to those who are manifestly greater, better, wiser, or

happier than ourselves, without some degree of malignity; while we

commonly look downwards on the mean and miserable with sufficient

benevolence and pity. In fact, I have remarked, that most of the

defects which have discovered themselves in the friendships within my

observation have arisen from envy only: a hellish vice; and yet one

from which I have known very few absolutely exempt. But enough of a

subject which, if pursued, would lead me too far.

Whether it was that Fortune was apprehensive lest Jones should sink

under the weight of his adversity, and that she might thus lose any

future opportunity of tormenting him, or whether she really abated

somewhat of her severity towards him, she seemed a little to relax her

persecution, by sending him the company of two such faithful friends,

and what is perhaps more rare, a faithful servant. For Partridge,

though he had many imperfections, wanted not fidelity; and though fear

would not suffer him to be hanged for his master, yet the world, I

believe, could not have bribed him to desert his cause.

While Jones was expressing great satisfaction in the presence of his

friends, Partridge brought an account that Mr Fitzpatrick was still

alive, though the surgeon declared that he had very little hopes. Upon

which, Jones fetching a deep sigh, Nightingale said to him, “My dear

Tom, why should you afflict yourself so upon an accident, which,

whatever be the consequence, can be attended with no danger to you,

and in which your conscience cannot accuse you of having been the

least to blame? If the fellow should die, what have you done more than

taken away the life of a ruffian in your own defence? So will the

coroner's inquest certainly find it; and then you will be easily

admitted to bail; and, though you must undergo the form of a trial,

yet it is a trial which many men would stand for you for a shilling.”

“Come, come, Mr Jones,” says Mrs Miller, “chear yourself up. I knew

you could not be the aggressor, and so I told Mr Allworthy, and so he

shall acknowledge too, before I have done with him.”

Jones gravely answered, “That whatever might be his fate, he

should always lament the having shed the blood of one of his

fellow-creatures, as one of the highest misfortunes which could

have befallen him. But I have another misfortune of the tenderest

kind----O! Mrs Miller, I have lost what I held most dear upon earth.”

“That must be a mistress,” said Mrs Miller; “but come, come; I know

more than you imagine” (for indeed Partridge had blabbed all); “and I

have heard more than you know. Matters go better, I promise you, than

you think; and I would not give Blifil sixpence for all the chance

which he hath of the lady.”

“Indeed, my dear friend, indeed,” answered Jones, “you are an entire

stranger to the cause of my grief. If you was acquainted with the

story, you would allow my case admitted of no comfort. I apprehend no

danger from Blifil. I have undone myself.” “Don't despair,” replied

Mrs Miller; “you know not what a woman can do; and if anything be in

my power, I promise you I will do it to serve you. It is my duty. My

son, my dear Mr Nightingale, who is so kind to tell me he hath

obligations to you on the same account, knows it is my duty. Shall I

go to the lady myself? I will say anything to her you would have me

say.”

“Thou best of women,” cries Jones, taking her by the hand, “talk not

of obligations to me;--but as you have been so kind to mention it,

there is a favour which, perhaps, may be in your power. I see you are

acquainted with the lady (how you came by your information I know

not), who sits, indeed, very near my heart. If you could contrive to

deliver this (giving her a paper from his pocket), I shall for ever

acknowledge your goodness.”

“Give it me,” said Mrs Miller. “If I see it not in her own possession

before I sleep, may my next sleep be my last! Comfort yourself, my

good young man! be wise enough to take warning from past follies, and

I warrant all shall be well, and I shall yet see you happy with the

most charming young lady in the world; for I so hear from every one

she is.”

“Believe me, madam,” said he, “I do not speak the common cant of one

in my unhappy situation. Before this dreadful accident happened, I had

resolved to quit a life of which I was become sensible of the

wickedness as well as folly. I do assure you, notwithstanding the

disturbances I have unfortunately occasioned in your house, for which

I heartily ask your pardon, I am not an abandoned profligate. Though I

have been hurried into vices, I do not approve a vicious character,

nor will I ever, from this moment, deserve it.”

Mrs Miller expressed great satisfaction in these declarations, in the

sincerity of which she averred she had an entire faith; and now the

remainder of the conversation past in the joint attempts of that good

woman and Mr Nightingale to cheer the dejected spirits of Mr Jones, in

which they so far succeeded as to leave him much better comforted and

satisfied than they found him; to which happy alteration nothing so

much contributed as the kind undertaking of Mrs Miller to deliver his

letter to Sophia, which he despaired of finding any means to

accomplish; for when Black George produced the last from Sophia, he

informed Partridge that she had strictly charged him, on pain of

having it communicated to her father, not to bring her any answer. He

was, moreover, not a little pleased to find he had so warm an advocate

to Mr Allworthy himself in this good woman, who was, in reality, one

of the worthiest creatures in the world.

After about an hour's visit from the lady (for Nightingale had been

with him much longer), they both took their leave, promising to return

to him soon; during which Mrs Miller said she hoped to bring him some

good news from his mistress, and Mr Nightingale promised to enquire

into the state of Mr Fitzpatrick's wound, and likewise to find out

some of the persons who were present at the rencounter.

The former of these went directly in quest of Sophia, whither we

likewise shall now attend her.

Chapter vi.

In which Mrs Miller pays a visit to Sophia.

Access to the young lady was by no means difficult; for, as she lived

now on a perfect friendly footing with her aunt, she was at full

liberty to receive what visitants she pleased.

Sophia was dressing when she was acquainted that there was a

gentlewoman below to wait on her. As she was neither afraid, nor

ashamed, to see any of her own sex, Mrs Miller was immediately

admitted.

Curtsies and the usual ceremonials between women who are strangers to

each other, being past, Sophia said, “I have not the pleasure to know

you, madam.” “No, madam,” answered Mrs Miller, “and I must beg pardon

for intruding upon you. But when you know what has induced me to give

you this trouble, I hope----” “Pray, what is your business, madam?”

said Sophia, with a little emotion. “Madam, we are not alone,” replied

Mrs Miller, in a low voice. “Go out, Betty,” said Sophia.

When Betty was departed, Mrs Miller said, “I was desired, madam, by a

very unhappy young gentleman, to deliver you this letter.” Sophia

changed colour when she saw the direction, well knowing the hand, and

after some hesitation, said--“I could not conceive, madam, from your

appearance, that your business had been of such a nature.--Whomever

you brought this letter from, I shall not open it. I should be sorry

to entertain an unjust suspicion of any one; but you are an utter

stranger to me.”

“If you will have patience, madam,” answered Mrs Miller, “I will

acquaint you who I am, and how I came by that letter.” “I have no

curiosity, madam, to know anything,” cries Sophia; “but I must insist

on your delivering that letter back to the person who gave it you.”

Mrs Miller then fell upon her knees, and in the most passionate terms

implored her compassion; to which Sophia answered: “Sure, madam, it is

surprizing you should be so very strongly interested in the behalf of

this person. I would not think, madam”--“No, madam,” says Mrs Miller,

“you shall not think anything but the truth. I will tell you all, and

you will not wonder that I am interested. He is the best-natured

creature that ever was born.”--She then began and related the story of

Mr Anderson.--After this she cried, “This, madam, this is his

goodness; but I have much more tender obligations to him. He hath

preserved my child.”--Here, after shedding some tears, she related

everything concerning that fact, suppressing only those circumstances

which would have most reflected on her daughter, and concluded with

saying, “Now, madam, you shall judge whether I can ever do enough for

so kind, so good, so generous a young man; and sure he is the best and

worthiest of all human beings.”

The alterations in the countenance of Sophia had hitherto been chiefly

to her disadvantage, and had inclined her complexion to too great

paleness; but she now waxed redder, if possible, than vermilion, and

cried, “I know not what to say; certainly what arises from gratitude

cannot be blamed--But what service can my reading this letter do your

friend, since I am resolved never----” Mrs Miller fell again to her

entreaties, and begged to be forgiven, but she could not, she said,

carry it back. “Well, madam,” says Sophia, “I cannot help it, if you

will force it upon me.--Certainly you may leave it whether I will or

no.” What Sophia meant, or whether she meant anything, I will not

presume to determine; but Mrs Miller actually understood this as a

hint, and presently laying the letter down on the table, took her

leave, having first begged permission to wait again on Sophia; which

request had neither assent nor denial.

The letter lay upon the table no longer than till Mrs Miller was out

of sight; for then Sophia opened and read it.

This letter did very little service to his cause; for it consisted of

little more than confessions of his own unworthiness, and bitter

lamentations of despair, together with the most solemn protestations

of his unalterable fidelity to Sophia, of which, he said, he hoped to

convince her, if he had ever more the honour of being admitted to her

presence; and that he could account for the letter to Lady Bellaston

in such a manner, that, though it would not entitle him to her

forgiveness, he hoped at least to obtain it from her mercy. And

concluded with vowing that nothing was ever less in his thoughts than

to marry Lady Bellaston.

Though Sophia read the letter twice over with great attention, his

meaning still remained a riddle to her; nor could her invention

suggest to her any means to excuse Jones. She certainly remained very

angry with him, though indeed Lady Bellaston took up so much of her

resentment, that her gentle mind had but little left to bestow on any

other person.

That lady was most unluckily to dine this very day with her aunt

Western, and in the afternoon they were all three, by appointment, to

go together to the opera, and thence to Lady Thomas Hatchet's drum.

Sophia would have gladly been excused from all, but would not

disoblige her aunt; and as to the arts of counterfeiting illness, she

was so entirely a stranger to them, that it never once entered into

her head. When she was drest, therefore, down she went, resolved to

encounter all the horrors of the day, and a most disagreeable one it

proved; for Lady Bellaston took every opportunity very civilly and

slily to insult her; to all which her dejection of spirits disabled

her from making any return; and, indeed, to confess the truth, she was

at the very best but an indifferent mistress of repartee.

Another misfortune which befel poor Sophia was the company of Lord

Fellamar, whom she met at the opera, and who attended her to the drum.

And though both places were too publick to admit of any

particularities, and she was farther relieved by the musick at the one

place, and by the cards at the other, she could not, however, enjoy

herself in his company; for there is something of delicacy in women,

which will not suffer them to be even easy in the presence of a man

whom they know to have pretensions to them which they are disinclined

to favour.

Having in this chapter twice mentioned a drum, a word which our

posterity, it is hoped, will not understand in the sense it is here

applied, we shall, notwithstanding our present haste, stop a moment to

describe the entertainment here meant, and the rather as we can in a

moment describe it.

A drum, then, is an assembly of well-dressed persons of both sexes,

most of whom play at cards, and the rest do nothing at all; while the

mistress of the house performs the part of the landlady at an inn, and

like the landlady of an inn prides herself in the number of her

guests, though she doth not always, like her, get anything by it.

No wonder then, as so much spirits must be required to support any

vivacity in these scenes of dulness, that we hear persons of fashion

eternally complaining of the want of them; a complaint confined

entirely to upper life. How insupportable must we imagine this round

of impertinence to have been to Sophia at this time; how difficult

must she have found it to force the appearance of gaiety into her

looks, when her mind dictated nothing but the tenderest sorrow, and

when every thought was charged with tormenting ideas!

Night, however, at last restored her to her pillow, where we will

leave her to soothe her melancholy at least, though incapable we fear

of rest, and shall pursue our history, which, something whispers us,

is now arrived at the eve of some great event.

Chapter vii.

A pathetic scene between Mr Allworthy and Mrs Miller.

Mrs Miller had a long discourse with Mr Allworthy, at his return from

dinner, in which she acquainted him with Jones's having unfortunately

lost all which he was pleased to bestow on him at their separation;

and with the distresses to which that loss had subjected him; of all

which she had received a full account from the faithful retailer

Partridge. She then explained the obligations she had to Jones; not

that she was entirely explicit with regard to her daughter; for though

she had the utmost confidence in Mr Allworthy, and though there could

be no hopes of keeping an affair secret which was unhappily known to

more than half a dozen, yet she could not prevail with herself to

mention those circumstances which reflected most on the chastity of

poor Nancy, but smothered that part of her evidence as cautiously as

if she had been before a judge, and the girl was now on her trial for

the murder of a bastard.

Allworthy said, there were few characters so absolutely vicious as not

to have the least mixture of good in them. “However,” says he, “I

cannot deny but that you have some obligations to the fellow, bad as

he is, and I shall therefore excuse what hath past already, but must

insist you never mention his name to me more; for, I promise you, it

was upon the fullest and plainest evidence that I resolved to take the

measures I have taken.” “Well, sir,” says she, “I make not the least

doubt but time will shew all matters in their true and natural

colours, and that you will be convinced this poor young man deserves

better of you than some other folks that shall be nameless.”

“Madam,” cries Allworthy, a little ruffled, “I will not hear any

reflections on my nephew; and if ever you say a word more of that

kind, I will depart from your house that instant. He is the worthiest

and best of men; and I once more repeat it to you, he hath carried his

friendship to this man to a blameable length, by too long concealing

facts of the blackest die. The ingratitude of the wretch to this good

young man is what I most resent; for, madam, I have the greatest

reason to imagine he had laid a plot to supplant my nephew in my

favour, and to have disinherited him.”

“I am sure, sir,” answered Mrs Miller, a little frightened (for,

though Mr Allworthy had the utmost sweetness and benevolence in his

smiles, he had great terror in his frowns), “I shall never speak

against any gentleman you are pleased to think well of. I am sure,

sir, such behaviour would very little become me, especially when the

gentleman is your nearest relation; but, sir, you must not be angry

with me, you must not indeed, for my good wishes to this poor wretch.

Sure I may call him so now, though once you would have been angry with

me if I had spoke of him with the least disrespect. How often have I

heard you call him your son? How often have you prattled to me of him

with all the fondness of a parent? Nay, sir, I cannot forget the many

tender expressions, the many good things you have told me of his

beauty, and his parts, and his virtues; of his good-nature and

generosity. I am sure, sir, I cannot forget them, for I find them all

true. I have experienced them in my own cause. They have preserved my

family. You must pardon my tears, sir, indeed you must. When I

consider the cruel reverse of fortune which this poor youth, to whom I

am so much obliged, hath suffered; when I consider the loss of your

favour, which I know he valued more than his life, I must, I must

lament him. If you had a dagger in your hand, ready to plunge into my

heart, I must lament the misery of one whom you have loved, and I

shall ever love.”

Allworthy was pretty much moved with this speech, but it seemed not to

be with anger; for, after a short silence, taking Mrs Miller by the

hand, he said very affectionately to her, “Come, madam, let us

consider a little about your daughter. I cannot blame you for

rejoicing in a match which promises to be advantageous to her, but you

know this advantage, in a great measure, depends on the father's

reconciliation. I know Mr Nightingale very well, and have formerly had

concerns with him; I will make him a visit, and endeavour to serve you

in this matter. I believe he is a worldly man; but as this is an only

son, and the thing is now irretrievable, perhaps he may in time be

brought to reason. I promise you I will do all I can for you.”

Many were the acknowledgments which the poor woman made to Allworthy

for this kind and generous offer, nor could she refrain from taking

this occasion again to express her gratitude towards Jones, “to whom,”

said she, “I owe the opportunity of giving you, sir, this present

trouble.” Allworthy gently stopped her; but he was too good a man to

be really offended with the effects of so noble a principle as now

actuated Mrs Miller; and indeed, had not this new affair inflamed his

former anger against Jones, it is possible he might have been a little

softened towards him, by the report of an action which malice itself

could not have derived from an evil motive.

Mr Allworthy and Mrs Miller had been above an hour together, when

their conversation was put an end to by the arrival of Blifil and

another person, which other person was no less than Mr Dowling, the

attorney, who was now become a great favourite with Mr Blifil, and

whom Mr Allworthy, at the desire of his nephew, had made his steward;

and had likewise recommended him to Mr Western, from whom the attorney

received a promise of being promoted to the same office upon the first

vacancy; and, in the meantime, was employed in transacting some

affairs which the squire then had in London in relation to a mortgage.

This was the principal affair which then brought Mr Dowling to town;

therefore he took the same opportunity to charge himself with some

money for Mr Allworthy, and to make a report to him of some other

business; in all which, as it was of much too dull a nature to find

any place in this history, we will leave the uncle, nephew, and their

lawyer concerned, and resort to other matters.

Chapter viii.

Containing various matters.

Before we return to Mr Jones, we will take one more view of Sophia.

Though that young lady had brought her aunt into great good humour by

those soothing methods which we have before related, she had not

brought her in the least to abate of her zeal for the match with Lord

Fellamar. This zeal was now inflamed by Lady Bellaston, who had told

her the preceding evening, that she was well satisfied from the

conduct of Sophia, and from her carriage to his lordship, that all

delays would be dangerous, and that the only way to succeed was to

press the match forward with such rapidity that the young lady should

have no time to reflect, and be obliged to consent while she scarce

knew what she did; in which manner, she said, one-half of the

marriages among people of condition were brought about. A fact very

probably true, and to which, I suppose, is owing the mutual tenderness

which afterwards exists among so many happy couples.

A hint of the same kind was given by the same lady to Lord Fellamar;

and both these so readily embraced the advice that the very next day

was, at his lordship's request, appointed by Mrs Western for a private

interview between the young parties. This was communicated to Sophia

by her aunt, and insisted upon in such high terms, that, after having

urged everything she possibly could invent against it without the

least effect, she at last agreed to give the highest instance of

complacence which any young lady can give, and consented to see his

lordship.

As conversations of this kind afford no great entertainment, we shall

be excused from reciting the whole that past at this interview; in

which, after his lordship had made many declarations of the most pure

and ardent passion to the silent blushing Sophia, she at last

collected all the spirits she could raise, and with a trembling low

voice said, “My lord, you must be yourself conscious whether your

former behaviour to me hath been consistent with the professions you

now make.” “Is there,” answered he, “no way by which I can atone for

madness? what I did I am afraid must have too plainly convinced you,

that the violence of love had deprived me of my senses.” “Indeed, my

lord,” said she, “it is in your power to give me a proof of an

affection which I much rather wish to encourage, and to which I should

think myself more beholden.” “Name it, madam,” said my lord, very

warmly. “My lord,” says she, looking down upon her fan, “I know you

must be sensible how uneasy this pretended passion of yours hath made

me.” “Can you be so cruel to call it pretended?” says he. “Yes, my

lord,” answered Sophia, “all professions of love to those whom we

persecute are most insulting pretences. This pursuit of yours is to me

a most cruel persecution: nay, it is taking a most ungenerous

advantage of my unhappy situation.” “Most lovely, most adorable

charmer, do not accuse me,” cries he, “of taking an ungenerous

advantage, while I have no thoughts but what are directed to your

honour and interest, and while I have no view, no hope, no ambition,

but to throw myself, honour, fortune, everything at your feet.” “My

lord,” says she, “it is that fortune and those honours which gave you

the advantage of which I complain. These are the charms which have

seduced my relations, but to me they are things indifferent. If your

lordship will merit my gratitude, there is but one way.” “Pardon me,

divine creature,” said he, “there can be none. All I can do for you is

so much your due, and will give me so much pleasure, that there is no

room for your gratitude.” “Indeed, my lord,” answered she, “you may

obtain my gratitude, my good opinion, every kind thought and wish

which it is in my power to bestow; nay, you may obtain them with ease,

for sure to a generous mind it must be easy to grant my request. Let

me beseech you, then, to cease a pursuit in which you can never have

any success. For your own sake as well as mine I entreat this favour;

for sure you are too noble to have any pleasure in tormenting an

unhappy creature. What can your lordship propose but uneasiness to

yourself, by a perseverance, which, upon my honour, upon my soul,

cannot, shall not prevail with me, whatever distresses you may drive

me to.” Here my lord fetched a deep sigh, and then said--“Is it then,

madam, that I am so unhappy to be the object of your dislike and

scorn; or will you pardon me if I suspect there is some other?” Here

he hesitated, and Sophia answered with some spirit, “My lord, I shall

not be accountable to you for the reasons of my conduct. I am obliged

to your lordship for the generous offer you have made; I own it is

beyond either my deserts or expectations; yet I hope, my lord, you

will not insist on my reasons, when I declare I cannot accept it.”

Lord Fellamar returned much to this, which we do not perfectly

understand, and perhaps it could not all be strictly reconciled either

to sense or grammar; but he concluded his ranting speech with saying,

“That if she had pre-engaged herself to any gentleman, however unhappy

it would make him, he should think himself bound in honour to desist.”

Perhaps my lord laid too much emphasis on the word gentleman; for we

cannot else well account for the indignation with which he inspired

Sophia, who, in her answer, seemed greatly to resent some affront he

had given her.

While she was speaking, with her voice more raised than usual, Mrs

Western came into the room, the fire glaring in her cheeks, and the

flames bursting from her eyes. “I am ashamed,” says she, “my lord, of

the reception which you have met with. I assure your lordship we are

all sensible of the honour done us; and I must tell you, Miss Western,

the family expect a different behaviour from you.” Here my lord

interfered on behalf of the young lady, but to no purpose; the aunt

proceeded till Sophia pulled out her handkerchief, threw herself into

a chair, and burst into a violent fit of tears.

The remainder of the conversation between Mrs Western and his

lordship, till the latter withdrew, consisted of bitter lamentations

on his side, and on hers of the strongest assurances that her niece

should and would consent to all he wished. “Indeed, my lord,” says

she, “the girl hath had a foolish education, neither adapted to her

fortune nor her family. Her father, I am sorry to say it, is to blame

for everything. The girl hath silly country notions of bashfulness.

Nothing else, my lord, upon my honour; I am convinced she hath a good

understanding at the bottom, and will be brought to reason.”

This last speech was made in the absence of Sophia; for she had some

time before left the room, with more appearance of passion than she

had ever shown on any occasion; and now his lordship, after many

expressions of thanks to Mrs Western, many ardent professions of

passion which nothing could conquer, and many assurances of

perseverance, which Mrs Western highly encouraged, took his leave for

this time.

Before we relate what now passed between Mrs Western and Sophia, it

may be proper to mention an unfortunate accident which had happened,

and which had occasioned the return of Mrs Western with so much fury,

as we have seen.

The reader then must know that the maid who at present attended on

Sophia was recommended by Lady Bellaston, with whom she had lived for

some time in the capacity of a comb-brush: she was a very sensible

girl, and had received the strictest instructions to watch her young

lady very carefully. These instructions, we are sorry to say, were

communicated to her by Mrs Honour, into whose favour Lady Bellaston

had now so ingratiated herself, that the violent affection which the

good waiting-woman had formerly borne to Sophia was entirely

obliterated by that great attachment which she had to her new

mistress.

Now, when Mrs Miller was departed, Betty (for that was the name of the

girl), returning to her young lady, found her very attentively engaged

in reading a long letter, and the visible emotions which she betrayed

on that occasion might have well accounted for some suspicions which

the girl entertained; but indeed they had yet a stronger foundation,

for she had overheard the whole scene which passed between Sophia and

Mrs Miller.

Mrs Western was acquainted with all this matter by Betty, who, after

receiving many commendations and some rewards for her fidelity, was

ordered, that, if the woman who brought the letter came again, she

should introduce her to Mrs Western herself.

Unluckily, Mrs Miller returned at the very time when Sophia was

engaged with his lordship. Betty, according to order, sent her

directly to the aunt; who, being mistress of so many circumstances

relating to what had past the day before, easily imposed upon the poor

woman to believe that Sophia had communicated the whole affair; and so

pumped everything out of her which she knew relating to the letter and

relating to Jones.

This poor creature might, indeed, be called simplicity itself. She was

one of that order of mortals who are apt to believe everything which

is said to them; to whom nature hath neither indulged the offensive

nor defensive weapons of deceit, and who are consequently liable to be

imposed upon by any one who will only be at the expense of a little

falshood for that purpose. Mrs Western, having drained Mrs Miller of

all she knew, which, indeed, was but little, but which was sufficient

to make the aunt suspect a great deal, dismissed her with assurances

that Sophia would not see her, that she would send no answer to the

letter, nor ever receive another; nor did she suffer her to depart

without a handsome lecture on the merits of an office to which she

could afford no better name than that of procuress.--This discovery

had greatly discomposed her temper, when, coming into the apartment

next to that in which the lovers were, she overheard Sophia very

warmly protesting against his lordship's addresses. At which the rage

already kindled burst forth, and she rushed in upon her niece in a

most furious manner, as we have already described, together with what

past at that time till his lordship's departure.

No sooner was Lord Fellamar gone than Mrs Western returned to Sophia,

whom she upbraided in the most bitter terms for the ill use she had

made of the confidence reposed in her; and for her treachery in

conversing with a man with whom she had offered but the day before to

bind herself in the most solemn oath never more to have any

conversation. Sophia protested she had maintained no such

conversation. “How, how! Miss Western,” said the aunt; “will you deny

your receiving a letter from him yesterday?” “A letter, madam!”

answered Sophia, somewhat surprized. “It is not very well bred, miss,”

replies the aunt, “to repeat my words. I say a letter, and I insist

upon your showing it me immediately.” “I scorn a lie, madam,” said

Sophia; “I did receive a letter, but it was without my desire, and,

indeed, I may say, against my consent.” “Indeed, indeed, miss,” cries

the aunt, “you ought to be ashamed of owning you had received it at

all; but where is the letter? for I will see it.”

To this peremptory demand, Sophia paused some time before she returned

an answer; and at last only excused herself by declaring she had not

the letter in her pocket, which was, indeed, true; upon which her

aunt, losing all manner of patience, asked her niece this short

question, whether she would resolve to marry Lord Fellamar, or no? to

which she received the strongest negative. Mrs Western then replied

with an oath, or something very like one, that she would early the

next morning deliver her back into her father's hand.

Sophia then began to reason with her aunt in the following

manner:--“Why, madam, must I of necessity be forced to marry at all?

Consider how cruel you would have thought it in your own case, and how

much kinder your parents were in leaving you to your liberty. What

have I done to forfeit this liberty? I will never marry contrary to my

father's consent, nor without asking yours----And when I ask the

consent of either improperly, it will be then time enough to force

some other marriage upon me.” “Can I bear to hear this,” cries Mrs

Western, “from a girl who hath now a letter from a murderer in her

pocket?” “I have no such letter, I promise you,” answered Sophia;

“and, if he be a murderer, he will soon be in no condition to give you

any further disturbance.” “How, Miss Western!” said the aunt, “have

you the assurance to speak of him in this manner; to own your

affection for such a villain to my face?” “Sure, madam,” said Sophia,

“you put a very strange construction on my words.” “Indeed, Miss

Western,” cries the lady, “I shall not bear this usage; you have

learnt of your father this manner of treating me; he hath taught you

to give me the lie. He hath totally ruined you by this false system of

education; and, please heaven, he shall have the comfort of its

fruits; for once more I declare to you, that to-morrow morning I will

carry you back. I will withdraw all my forces from the field, and

remain henceforth, like the wise king of Prussia, in a state of

perfect neutrality. You are both too wise to be regulated by my

measures; so prepare yourself, for to-morrow morning you shall

evacuate this house.”

Sophia remonstrated all she could; but her aunt was deaf to all she

said. In this resolution therefore we must at present leave her, as

there seems to be no hopes of bringing her to change it.

Chapter ix.

What happened to Mr Jones in the prison.

Mr Jones passed about twenty-four melancholy hours by himself, unless

when relieved by the company of Partridge, before Mr Nightingale

returned; not that this worthy young man had deserted or forgot his

friend; for, indeed, he had been much the greatest part of the time

employed in his service.

He had heard, upon enquiry, that the only persons who had seen the

beginning of the unfortunate rencounter were a crew belonging to a

man-of-war which then lay at Deptford. To Deptford therefore he went

in search of this crew, where he was informed that the men he sought

after were all gone ashore. He then traced them from place to place,

till at last he found two of them drinking together, with a third

person, at a hedge-tavern near Aldersgate.

Nightingale desired to speak with Jones by himself (for Partridge was

in the room when he came in). As soon as they were alone, Nightingale,

taking Jones by the hand, cried, “Come, my brave friend, be not too

much dejected at what I am going to tell you----I am sorry I am the

messenger of bad news; but I think it my duty to tell you.” “I guess

already what that bad news is,” cries Jones. “The poor gentleman then

is dead.”--“I hope not,” answered Nightingale. “He was alive this

morning; though I will not flatter you; I fear, from the accounts I

could get, that his wound is mortal. But if the affair be exactly as

you told it, your own remorse would be all you would have reason to

apprehend, let what would happen; but forgive me, my dear Tom, if I

entreat you to make the worst of your story to your friends. If you

disguise anything to us, you will only be an enemy to yourself.”

“What reason, my dear Jack, have I ever given you,” said Jones, “to

stab me with so cruel a suspicion?” “Have patience,” cries

Nightingale, “and I will tell you all. After the most diligent enquiry

I could make, I at last met with two of the fellows who were present

at this unhappy accident, and I am sorry to say, they do not relate

the story so much in your favour as you yourself have told it.” “Why,

what do they say?” cries Jones. “Indeed what I am sorry to repeat, as

I am afraid of the consequence of it to you. They say that they were

at too great a distance to overhear any words that passed between you:

but they both agree that the first blow was given by you.” “Then, upon

my soul,” answered Jones, “they injure me. He not only struck me

first, but struck me without the least provocation. What should induce

those villains to accuse me falsely?” “Nay, that I cannot guess,” said

Nightingale, “and if you yourself, and I, who am so heartily your

friend, cannot conceive a reason why they should belie you, what

reason will an indifferent court of justice be able to assign why they

should not believe them? I repeated the question to them several

times, and so did another gentleman who was present, who, I believe,

is a seafaring man, and who really acted a very friendly part by you;

for he begged them often to consider that there was the life of a man

in the case; and asked them over and over, if they were certain; to

which they both answered, that they were, and would abide by their

evidence upon oath. For heaven's sake, my dear friend, recollect

yourself; for, if this should appear to be the fact, it will be your

business to think in time of making the best of your interest. I would

not shock you; but you know, I believe, the severity of the law,

whatever verbal provocations may have been given you.” “Alas! my

friend,” cries Jones, “what interest hath such a wretch as I? Besides,

do you think I would even wish to live with the reputation of a

murderer? If I had any friends (as, alas! I have none), could I have

the confidence to solicit them to speak in the behalf of a man

condemned for the blackest crime in human nature? Believe me, I have

no such hope; but I have some reliance on a throne still greatly

superior; which will, I am certain, afford me all the protection I

merit.”

He then concluded with many solemn and vehement protestations of the

truth of what he had at first asserted.

The faith of Nightingale was now again staggered, and began to incline

to credit his friend, when Mrs Miller appeared, and made a sorrowful

report of the success of her embassy; which when Jones had heard, he

cried out most heroically, “Well, my friend, I am now indifferent as

to what shall happen, at least with regard to my life; and if it be

the will of Heaven that I shall make an atonement with that for the

blood I have spilt, I hope the Divine Goodness will one day suffer my

honour to be cleared, and that the words of a dying man, at least,

will be believed, so far as to justify his character.”

A very mournful scene now past between the prisoner and his friends,

at which, as few readers would have been pleased to be present, so

few, I believe, will desire to hear it particularly related. We will,

therefore, pass on to the entrance of the turnkey, who acquainted

Jones that there was a lady without who desired to speak with him when

he was at leisure.

Jones declared his surprize at this message. He said, “He knew no lady

in the world whom he could possibly expect to see there.” However, as

he saw no reason to decline seeing any person, Mrs Miller and Mr

Nightingale presently took their leave, and he gave orders to have the

lady admitted.

If Jones was surprized at the news of a visit from a lady, how greatly

was he astonished when he discovered this lady to be no other than Mrs

Waters! In this astonishment then we shall leave him awhile, in order

to cure the surprize of the reader, who will likewise, probably, not a

little wonder at the arrival of this lady.

Who this Mrs Waters was, the reader pretty well knows; what she was,

he must be perfectly satisfied. He will therefore be pleased to

remember that this lady departed from Upton in the same coach with Mr

Fitzpatrick and the other Irish gentleman, and in their company

travelled to Bath.

Now there was a certain office in the gift of Mr Fitzpatrick at that

time vacant, namely that of a wife: for the lady who had lately filled

that office had resigned, or at least deserted her duty. Mr

Fitzpatrick therefore, having thoroughly examined Mrs Waters on the

road, found her extremely fit for the place, which, on their arrival

at Bath, he presently conferred upon her, and she without any scruple

accepted. As husband and wife this gentleman and lady continued

together all the time they stayed at Bath, and as husband and wife

they arrived together in town.

Whether Mr Fitzpatrick was so wise a man as not to part with one good

thing till he had secured another, which he had at present only a

prospect of regaining; or whether Mrs Waters had so well discharged

her office, that he intended still to retain her as principal, and to

make his wife (as is often the case) only her deputy, I will not say;

but certain it is, he never mentioned his wife to her, never

communicated to her the letter given him by Mrs Western, nor ever once

hinted his purpose of repossessing his wife; much less did he ever

mention the name of Jones. For, though he intended to fight with him

wherever he met him, he did not imitate those prudent persons who

think a wife, a mother, a sister, or sometimes a whole family, the

safest seconds on these occasions. The first account therefore which

she had of all this was delivered to her from his lips, after he was

brought home from the tavern where his wound had been drest.

As Mr Fitzpatrick, however, had not the clearest way of telling a

story at any time, and was now, perhaps, a little more confused than

usual, it was some time before she discovered that the gentleman who

had given him this wound was the very same person from whom her heart

had received a wound, which, though not of a mortal kind, was yet so

deep that it had left a considerable scar behind it. But no sooner was

she acquainted that Mr Jones himself was the man who had been

committed to the Gatehouse for this supposed murder, than she took the

first opportunity of committing Mr Fitzpatrick to the care of his

nurse, and hastened away to visit the conqueror.

She now entered the room with an air of gaiety, which received an

immediate check from the melancholy aspect of poor Jones, who started

and blessed himself when he saw her. Upon which she said, “Nay, I do

not wonder at your surprize; I believe you did not expect to see me;

for few gentlemen are troubled here with visits from any lady, unless

a wife. You see the power you have over me, Mr Jones. Indeed, I little

thought, when we parted at Upton, that our next meeting would have

been in such a place.” “Indeed, madam,” says Jones, “I must look upon

this visit as kind; few will follow the miserable, especially to such

dismal habitations.” “I protest, Mr Jones,” says she, “I can hardly

persuade myself you are the same agreeable fellow I saw at Upton. Why,

your face is more miserable than any dungeon in the universe. What can

be the matter with you?” “I thought, madam,” said Jones, “as you knew

of my being here, you knew the unhappy reason.” “Pugh!” says she, “you

have pinked a man in a duel, that's all.” Jones exprest some

indignation at this levity, and spoke with the utmost contrition for

what had happened. To which she answered, “Well, then, sir, if you

take it so much to heart, I will relieve you; the gentleman is not

dead, and, I am pretty confident, is in no danger of dying. The

surgeon, indeed, who first dressed him was a young fellow, and seemed

desirous of representing his case to be as bad as possible, that he

might have the more honour from curing him: but the king's surgeon

hath seen him since, and says, unless from a fever, of which there are

at present no symptoms, he apprehends not the least danger of life.”

Jones shewed great satisfaction in his countenance at this report;

upon which she affirmed the truth of it, adding, “By the most

extraordinary accident in the world I lodge at the same house; and

have seen the gentleman, and I promise you he doth you justice, and

says, whatever be the consequence, that he was entirely the aggressor,

and that you was not in the least to blame.”

Jones expressed the utmost satisfaction at the account which Mrs

Waters brought him. He then informed her of many things which she well

knew before, as who Mr Fitzpatrick was, the occasion of his

resentment, &c. He likewise told her several facts of which she was

ignorant, as the adventure of the muff, and other particulars,

concealing only the name of Sophia. He then lamented the follies and

vices of which he had been guilty; every one of which, he said, had

been attended with such ill consequences, that he should be

unpardonable if he did not take warning, and quit those vicious

courses for the future. He lastly concluded with assuring her of his

resolution to sin no more, lest a worse thing should happen to him.

Mrs Waters with great pleasantry ridiculed all this, as the effects of

low spirits and confinement. She repeated some witticisms about the

devil when he was sick, and told him, “She doubted not but shortly to

see him at liberty, and as lively a fellow as ever; and then,” says

she, “I don't question but your conscience will be safely delivered of

all these qualms that it is now so sick in breeding.”

Many more things of this kind she uttered, some of which it would do

her no great honour, in the opinion of some readers, to remember; nor

are we quite certain but that the answers made by Jones would be

treated with ridicule by others. We shall therefore suppress the rest

of this conversation, and only observe that it ended at last with

perfect innocence, and much more to the satisfaction of Jones than of

the lady; for the former was greatly transported with the news she had

brought him; but the latter was not altogether so pleased with the

penitential behaviour of a man whom she had, at her first interview,

conceived a very different opinion of from what she now entertained of

him.

Thus the melancholy occasioned by the report of Mr Nightingale was

pretty well effaced; but the dejection into which Mrs Miller had

thrown him still continued. The account she gave so well tallied with

the words of Sophia herself in her letter, that he made not the least

doubt but that she had disclosed his letter to her aunt, and had taken

a fixed resolution to abandon him. The torments this thought gave him

were to be equalled only by a piece of news which fortune had yet in

store for him, and which we shall communicate in the second chapter of

the ensuing book.