Theintroductiontothework，orbilloffaretothefeastAnauthoroughttoconsiderhimself，notasagentlemanwhogivesaprivateoreleemosynarytreat，butratherasonewhokeepsapublicordinary，atwhichallpersonsarewelcomefortheirmoney。
Intheformercase，itiswellknownthattheentertainerprovideswhatfarehepleases；andthoughthisshouldbeveryindifferent，andutterlydisagreeabletothetasteofhiscompany，theymustnotfindanyfault；nay，onthecontrary，goodbreedingforcesthemoutwardlytoapproveandtocommendwhateverissetbeforethem。Nowthecontraryofthishappenstothemasterofanordinary。Menwhopayforwhattheyeatwillinsistongratifyingtheirpalates，howeverniceandwhimsicalthesemayprove；andifeverythingisnotagreeabletotheirtaste，willchallengearighttocensure，toabuse，andtod——ntheirdinnerwithoutcontroul。
Toprevent，therefore，givingoffencetotheircustomersbyanysuchdisappointment，ithathbeenusualwiththehonestandwell-meaninghosttoprovideabilloffarewhichallpersonsmayperuseattheirfirstentranceintothehouse；andhavingthenceacquaintedthemselveswiththeentertainmentwhichtheymayexpect，mayeitherstayandregalewithwhatisprovidedforthem，ormaydeparttosomeotherordinarybetteraccommodatedtotheirtaste。
Aswedonotdisdaintoborrowwitorwisdomfromanymanwhoiscapableoflendinguseither，wehavecondescendedtotakeahintfromthesehonestvictuallers，andshallprefixnotonlyageneralbilloffaretoourwholeentertainment，butshalllikewisegivethereaderparticularbillstoeverycoursewhichistobeservedupinthisandtheensuingvolumes。
Theprovision，then，whichwehaveheremadeisnootherthanHumanNature。NordoIfearthatmysensiblereader，thoughmostluxuriousinhistaste，willstart，cavil，orbeoffended，becauseI
havenamedbutonearticle。Thetortise-asthealdermanofBristol，welllearnedineating，knowsbymuchexperience-besidesthedeliciouscalipashandcalipee，containsmanydifferentkindsoffood；
norcanthelearnedreaderbeignorant，thatinhumannature，thoughherecollectedunderonegeneralname，issuchprodigiousvariety，thatacookwillhavesoonergonethroughalltheseveralspeciesofanimalandvegetablefoodintheworld，thananauthorwillbeabletoexhaustsoextensiveasubject。
Anobjectionmayperhapsbeapprehendedfromthemoredelicate，thatthisdishistoocommonandvulgar；forwhatelseisthesubjectofalltheromances，novels，plays，andpoems，withwhichthestallsabound？Manyexquisiteviandsmightberejectedbytheepicure，ifitwasasufficientcauseforhiscontemningofthemascommonandvulgar，thatsomethingwastobefoundinthemostpaltryalleysunderthesamename。Inreality，truenatureisasdifficulttobemetwithinauthors，astheBayonneham，orBolognasausage，istobefoundintheshops。
Butthewhole，tocontinuethesamemetaphor，consistsinthecookeryoftheauthor；for，asMr。Popetellsus-
Truewitisnaturetoadvantagedrest；
Whatoftwasthought，butne’ersowellexprest。
Thesameanimalwhichhaththehonourtohavesomepartofhisflesheatenatthetableofaduke，mayperhapsbedegradedinanotherpart，andsomeofhislimbsgibbeted，asitwere，inthevileststallintown。Where，then，liesthedifferencebetweenthefoodofthenoblemanandtheporter，ifbothareatdinneronthesameoxorcalf，butintheseasoning，thedressing，thegarnishing，andthesettingforth？Hencetheoneprovokesandincitesthemostlanguidappetite，andtheotherturnsandpallsthatwhichisthesharpestandkeenest。
Inlikemanner，theexcellenceofthementalentertainmentconsistslessinthesubjectthanintheauthor’sskillinwelldressingitup。Howpleased，therefore，willthereaderbetofindthatwehave，inthefollowingwork，adheredcloselytooneofthehighestprinciplesofthebestcookwhichthepresentage，orperhapsthatofHeliogabalus，hathproduced。Thisgreatman，asiswellknowntoallloversofpoliteeating，beginsatfirstbysettingplainthingsbeforehishungryguests，risingafterwardsbydegreesastheirstomachsmaybesupposedtodecrease，totheveryquintessenceofsauceandspices。Inlikemanner，weshallrepresenthumannatureatfirsttothekeenappetiteofourreader，inthatmoreplainandsimplemannerinwhichitisfoundinthecountry，andshallhereafterhashandragooitwithallthehighFrenchandItalianseasoningofaffectationandvicewhichcourtsandcitiesafford。Bythesemeans，wedoubtnotbutourreadermayberendereddesiroustoreadonforever，asthegreatpersonjustabove-mentionedissupposedtohavemadesomepersonseat。
Havingpremisedthusmuch，wewillnowdetainthosewholikeourbilloffarenolongerfromtheirdiet，andshallproceeddirectlytoserveupthefirstcourseofourhistoryfortheirentertainment。
Chapter2
AshortdescriptionofSquireAllworthy，andafulleraccountofMissBridgetAllworthy，hissisterInthatpartofthewesterndivisionofthiskingdomwhichiscommonlycalledSomersetshire，therelatelylived，andperhapslivesstill，agentlemanwhosenamewasAllworthy，andwhomightwellbecalledthefavouriteofbothnatureandfortune；forbothoftheseseemtohavecontendedwhichshouldblessandenrichhimmost。Inthiscontention，naturemayseemtosometohavecomeoffvictorious，asshebestowedonhimmanygifts，whilefortunehadonlyonegiftinherpower；butinpouringforththis，shewassoveryprofuse，thatothersperhapsmaythinkthissingleendowmenttohavebeenmorethanequivalenttoallthevariousblessingswhichheenjoyedfromnature。Fromtheformerofthese，hederivedanagreeableperson，asoundconstitution，asolidunderstanding，andabenevolentheart；
bythelatter，hewasdecreedtotheinheritanceofoneofthelargestestatesinthecounty。
Thisgentlemanhadinhisyouthmarriedaveryworthyandbeautifulwoman，ofwhomhehadbeenextremelyfond:byherhehadthreechildren，allofwhomdiedintheirinfancy。Hehadlikewisehadthemisfortuneofburyingthisbelovedwifeherself，aboutfiveyearsbeforethetimeinwhichthishistorychusestosetout。Thisloss，howevergreat，heborelikeamanofsenseandconstancy，thoughitmustbeconfesthewouldoftentalkalittlewhimsicallyonthishead；forhesometimessaidhelookedonhimselfasstillmarried，andconsideredhiswifeasonlygonealittlebeforehim，ajourneywhichheshouldmostcertainly，soonerorlater，takeafterher；andthathehadnottheleastdoubtofmeetingheragaininaplacewhereheshouldneverpartwithhermore-sentimentsforwhichhissensewasarraignedbyonepartofhisneighbours，hisreligionbyasecond，andhissinceritybyathird。
Henowlived，forthemostpart，retiredinthecountry，withonesister，forwhomhehadaverytenderaffection。Thisladywasnowsomewhatpasttheageofthirty，anaeraatwhich，intheopinionofthemalicious，thetitleofoldmaidmaywithnoimproprietybeassumed。Shewasofthatspeciesofwomenwhomyoucommendratherforgoodqualitiesthanbeauty，andwhoaregenerallycalled，bytheirownsex，verygoodsortofwomen-asgoodasortofwoman，madam，asyouwouldwishtoknow。Indeed，shewassofarfromregrettingwantofbeauty，thatshenevermentionedthatperfection，ifitcanbecalledone，withoutcontempt；andwouldoftenthankGodshewasnotashandsomeasMissSuch-a-one，whomperhapsbeautyhadledintoerrorswhichshemighthaveotherwiseavoided。MissBridgetAllworthyforthatwasthenameofthisladyveryrightlyconceivedthecharmsofpersoninawomantobenobetterthansnaresforherself，aswellasforothers；andyetsodiscreetwassheinherconduct，thatherprudencewasasmuchontheguardasifshehadallthesnarestoapprehendwhichwereeverlaidforherwholesex。Indeed，Ihaveobserved，thoughitmayseemunaccountabletothereader，thatthisguardofprudence，likethetrainedbands，isalwaysreadiesttogoondutywherethereistheleastdanger。Itoftenbaselyandcowardlydesertsthoseparagonsforwhomthemenareallwishing，sighing，dying，andspreadingeverynetintheirpower；andconstantlyattendsattheheelsofthathigherorderofwomenforwhomtheothersexhaveamoredistantandawfulrespect，andwhomfromdespair，Isuppose，ofsuccesstheyneverventuretoattack。
Reader，Ithinkproper，beforeweproceedanyfarthertogether，toacquainttheethatIintendtodigress，throughthiswholehistory，asoftenasIseeoccasion，ofwhichIammyselfabetterjudgethananypitifulcriticwhatever；andhereImustdesireallthosecriticstomindtheirownbusiness，andnottointermeddlewithaffairsorworkswhichnowaysconcernthem；fortilltheyproducetheauthoritybywhichtheyareconstitutedjudges，Ishallnotpleadtotheirjurisdiction。
Chapter3
AnoddaccidentwhichbefelMr。Allworthyathisreturnhome。ThedecentbehaviourofMrs。DeborahWilkins，withsomeproperanimadversionsonbastardsIhavetoldmyreader，intheprecedingchapter，thatMr。
Allworthyinheritedalargefortune；thathehadagoodheart，andnofamily。Hence，doubtless，itwillbeconcludedbymanythathelivedlikeanhonestman，owednooneashilling，tooknothingbutwhatwashisown，keptagoodhouse，entertainedhisneighbourswithaheartywelcomeathistable，andwascharitabletothepoor，i。e。，tothosewhohadratherbegthanwork，bygivingthemtheoffalsfromit；thathediedimmenselyrichandbuiltanhospital。
Andtrueitisthathedidmanyofthesethings；buthadhedonenothingmoreIshouldhavelefthimtohaverecordedhisownmeritonsomefairfreestoneoverthedoorofthathospital。Mattersofamuchmoreextraordinarykindaretobethesubjectofthishistory，orIshouldgrosslymis-spendmytimeinwritingsovoluminousawork；
andyou，mysagaciousfriend，mightwithequalprofitandpleasuretravelthroughsomepageswhichcertaindrollauthorshavebeenfacetiouslypleasedtocallTheHistoryofEngland。
Mr。AllworthyhadbeenabsentafullquarterofayearinLondon，onsomeveryparticularbusiness，thoughIknownotwhatitwas；butjudgeofitsimportancebyitshavingdetainedhimsolongfromhome，whencehehadnotbeenabsentamonthatatimeduringthespaceofmanyyears。Hecametohishouseverylateintheevening，andafterashortsupperwithhissister，retiredmuchfatiguedtohischamber。Here，havingspentsomeminutesonhisknees-acustomwhichheneverbrokethroughonanyaccount-hewaspreparingtostepintobed，when，uponopeningthecloathes，tohisgreatsurprizehebeheldaninfant，wraptupinsomecoarselinen，inasweetandprofoundsleep，betweenhissheets。Hestoodsometimelostinastonishmentatthissight；but，asgoodnaturehadalwaystheascendantinhismind，hesoonbegantobetouchedwithsentimentsofcompassionforthelittlewretchbeforehim。Hethenranghisbell，andorderedanelderlywoman-servanttoriseimmediately，andcometohim；andinthemeantimewassoeagerincontemplatingthebeautyofinnocence，appearinginthoselivelycolourswithwhichinfancyandsleepalwaysdisplayit，thathisthoughtsweretoomuchengagedtoreflectthathewasinhisshirtwhenthematroncamein。Shehadindeedgivenhermastersufficienttimetodresshimself；foroutofrespecttohim，andregardtodecency，shehadspentmanyminutesinadjustingherhairatthelooking-glass，notwithstandingallthehurryinwhichshehadbeensummonedbytheservant，andthoughhermaster，foraughtsheknew，layexpiringinanapoplexy，orinsomeotherfit。
Itwillnotbewonderedatthatacreaturewhohadsostrictaregardtodecencyinherownperson，shouldbeshockedattheleastdeviationfromitinanother。Shethereforenosooneropenedthedoor，andsawhermasterstandingbythebedsideinhisshirt，withacandleinhishand，thanshestartedbackinamostterriblefright，andmightperhapshaveswoonedaway，hadhenotnowrecollectedhisbeingundrest，andputanendtoherterrorsbydesiringhertostaywithoutthedoortillhehadthrownsomecloathesoverhisback，andwasbecomeincapableofshockingthepureeyesofMrs。DeborahWilkins，who，thoughinthefifty-secondyearofherage，vowedshehadneverbeheldamanwithouthiscoat。Sneerersandprophanewitsmayperhapslaughatherfirstfright；yetmygraverreader，whenheconsidersthetimeofnight，thesummonsfromherbed，andthesituationinwhichshefoundhermaster，willhighlyjustifyandapplaudherconduct，unlesstheprudencewhichmustbesupposedtoattendmaidensatthatperiodoflifeatwhichMrs。Deborahhadarrived，shouldalittlelessenhisadmiration。
WhenMrs。Deborahreturnedintotheroom，andwasacquaintedbyhermasterwiththefindingthelittleinfant，herconsternationwasrathergreaterthanhishadbeen；norcouldsherefrainfromcryingout，withgreathorrorofaccentaswellaslook，\"Mygoodsir！what’stobedone？\"Mr。Allworthyanswered，shemusttakecareofthechildthatevening，andinthemorninghewouldgiveorderstoprovideitanurse。\"Yes，sir，\"saysshe；\"andIhopeyourworshipwillsendoutyourwarranttotakeupthehussyitsmother，forshemustbeoneoftheneighbourhood；andIshouldbegladtoseehercommittedtoBridewell，andwhiptatthecart’stail。Indeed，suchwickedslutscannotbetooseverelypunished。I’llwarrant’tisnotherfirst，byherimpudenceinlayingittoyourworship。\"\"Inlayingittome，Deborah！\"answeredAllworthy:\"Ican’tthinkshehathanysuchdesign。
Isupposeshehathonlytakenthismethodtoprovideforherchild；
andtrulyIamgladshehathnotdoneworse。\"\"Idon’tknowwhatisworse，\"criesDeborah，\"thanforsuchwickedstrumpetstolaytheirsinsathonestmen’sdoors；andthoughyourworshipknowsyourowninnocence，yettheworldiscensorious；andithathbeenmanyanhonestman’shaptopassforthefatherofchildrenheneverbegot；
andifyourworshipshouldprovideforthechild，itmaymakethepeopletheaptertobelieve；besides，whyshouldyourworshipprovideforwhattheparishisobligedtomaintain？Formyownpart，ifitwasanhonestman’schild，indeed-butformyownpart，itgoesagainstmetotouchthesemisbegottenwretches，whomIdon’tlookuponasmyfellow-creatures。Faugh！howitstinks！ItdothnotsmelllikeaChristian。IfImightbesoboldtogivemyadvice，Iwouldhaveitputinabasket，andsentoutandlaidatthechurchwarden’sdoor。
Itisagoodnight，onlyalittlerainyandwindy；andifitwaswellwraptup，andputinawarmbasket，itistwotoonebutitlivestillitfoundinthemorning。Butifitshouldnot，wehavedischargedourdutyintakingpropercareofit；anditis，perhaps，bettersuchcreaturestodieinastateofinnocence，thantogrowupandimitatetheirmothers；fornothingbettercanbeexpectedofthem。\"
ThereweresomestrokesinthisspeechwhichperhapswouldhaveoffendedMr。Allworthy，hadhestrictlyattendedtoit；buthehadnowgotoneofhisfingersintotheinfant’shand，which，byitsgentlepressure，seemingtoimplorehisassistance，hadcertainlyoutpleadedtheeloquenceofMrs。Deborah，haditbeententimesgreaterthanitwas。HenowgaveMrs。Deborahpositiveorderstotakethechildtoherownbed，andtocallupamaidservanttoprovideitpap，andotherthings，againstitwaked。Helikewiseorderedthatpropercloathesshouldbeprocuredforitearlyinthemorning，andthatitshouldbebroughttohimselfassoonashewasstirring。
SuchwasthediscernmentofMrs。Wilkins，andsuchtherespectsheborehermaster，underwhomsheenjoyedamostexcellentplace，thatherscruplesgavewaytohisperemptorycommands；andshetookthechildunderherarms，withoutanyapparentdisgustattheillegalityofitsbirth；anddeclaringitwasasweetlittleinfant，walkedoffwithittoherownchamber。
Allworthyherebetookhimselftothosepleasingslumberswhichaheartthathungersaftergoodnessisapttoenjoywhenthoroughlysatisfied。Asthesearepossiblysweeterthanwhatareoccasionedbyanyotherheartymeal，Ishouldtakemorepainstodisplaythemtothereader，ifIknewanyairtorecommendhimtofortheprocuringsuchanappetite。
Chapter4
Thereader’sneckbroughtintodangerbyadescription；hisescape；andthegreatcondescensionofMissBridgetAllworthyTheGothicstileofbuildingcouldproducenothingnoblerthanMr。
Allworthy’shouse。Therewasanairofgrandeurinitthatstruckyouwithawe，andrivalledthebeautiesofthebestGrecianarchitecture；anditwasascommodiouswithinasvenerablewithout。
Itstoodonthesouth-eastsideofahill，butnearerthebottomthanthetopofit，soastobeshelteredfromthenorth-eastbyagroveofoldoakswhichroseaboveitinagradualascentofnearhalfamile，andyethighenoughtoenjoyamostcharmingprospectofthevalleybeneath。
Inthemidstofthegrovewasafinelawn，slopingdowntowardsthehouse，nearthesummitofwhichroseaplentifulspring，gushingoutofarockcoveredwithfirs，andformingaconstantcascadeofaboutthirtyfeet，notcarrieddownaregularflightofsteps，buttumblinginanaturalfalloverthebrokenandmossystonestillitcametothebottomoftherock，thenrunningoffinapeblychannel，thatwithmanylesserfallswindedalong，tillitfellintoalakeatthefootofthehill，aboutaquarterofamilebelowthehouseonthesouthside，andwhichwasseenfromeveryroominthefront。
Outofthislake，whichfilledthecenterofabeautifulplain，embellishedwithgroupsofbeechesandelms，andfedwithsheep，issuedariver，thatforseveralmileswasseentomeanderthroughanamazingvarietyofmeadowsandwoodstillitemptieditselfintothesea，withalargearmofwhich，andanislandbeyondit，theprospectwasclosed。
Ontherightofthisvalleyopenedanotheroflessextent，adornedwithseveralvillages，andterminatedbyoneofthetowersofanoldruinedabby，grownoverwithivy，andpartofthefront，whichremainedstillentire。
Theleft-handscenepresentedtheviewofaveryfinepark，composedofveryunequalground，andagreeablyvariedwithallthediversitythathills，lawns，wood，andwater，laidoutwithadmirabletaste，butowinglesstoartthantonature，couldgive。Beyondthis，thecountrygraduallyroseintoaridgeofwildmountains，thetopsofwhichwereabovetheclouds。
ItwasnowthemiddleofMay，andthemorningwasremarkablyserene，whenMr。Allworthywalkedforthontheterrace，wherethedawnopenedeveryminutethatlovelyprospectwehavebeforedescribedtohiseye；andnowhavingsentforthstreamsoflight，whichascendedthebluefirmamentbeforehim，asharbingersprecedinghispomp，inthefullblazeofhismajestyrosethesun，thanwhichoneobjectaloneinthislowercreationcouldbemoreglorious，andthatMr。
Allworthyhimselfpresented-ahumanbeingrepletewithbenevolence，meditatinginwhatmannerhemightrenderhimselfmostacceptabletohisCreator，bydoingmostgoodtohiscreatures。
Reader，takecare。IhaveunadvisedlyledtheetothetopofashighahillasMr。Allworthyandhowtogettheedownwithoutbreakingthyneck，Idonotwellknow。However，letuse’enventuretoslidedowntogether；forMissBridgetringsherbell，andMr。Allworthyissummonedtobreakfast，whereImustattend，and，ifyouplease，shallbegladofyourcompany。
TheusualcomplimentshavingpastbetweenMr。AllworthyandMissBridget，andtheteabeingpouredout，hesummonedMrs。Wilkins，andtoldhissisterhehadapresentforher，forwhichshethankedhim-imagining，Isuppose，ithadbeenagown，orsomeornamentforherperson。Indeed，heveryoftenmadehersuchpresents；andshe，incomplacencetohim，spentmuchtimeinadorningherself。Isayincomplacencetohim，becauseshealwaysexprestthegreatestcontemptfordress，andforthoseladieswhomadeittheirstudy。
Butifsuchwasherexpectation，howwasshedisappointedwhenMrs。Wilkins，accordingtotheordershehadreceivedfromhermaster，producedthelittleinfant？Greatsurprizes，ashathbeenobserved，areapttobesilent；andsowasMissBridget，tillherbrotherbegan，andtoldherthewholestory，which，asthereaderknowsitalready，weshallnotrepeat。
MissBridgethadalwaysexprestsogreataregardforwhattheladiesarepleasedtocallvirtue，andhadherselfmaintainedsuchaseverityofcharacter，thatitwasexpected，especiallybyWilkins，thatshewouldhaveventedmuchbitternessonthisoccasion，andwouldhavevotedforsendingthechild，asakindofnoxiousanimal，immediatelyoutofthehouse；but，onthecontrary，sherathertookthegood-naturedsideofthequestion，intimatedsomecompassionforthehelplesslittlecreature，andcommendedherbrother’scharityinwhathehaddone。
PerhapsthereadermayaccountforthisbehaviourfromhercondescensiontoMr。Allworthy，whenwehaveinformedhimthatthegoodmanhadendedhisnarrativewithowningaresolutiontotakecareofthechild，andtobreedhimupashisown；for，toacknowledgethetruth，shewasalwaysreadytoobligeherbrother，andveryseldom，ifever，contradictedhissentiments。Shewould，indeed，sometimesmakeafewobservations，asthatmenwereheadstrong，andmusthavetheirownway，andwouldwishshehadbeenblestwithanindependentfortune；butthesewerealwaysventedinalowvoice，andatthemostamountedonlytowhatiscalledmuttering。
However，whatshewithheldfromtheinfant，shebestowedwiththeutmostprofusenessonthepoorunknownmother，whomshecalledanimpudentslut，awantonhussy，anaudaciousharlot，awickedjade，avilestrumpet，witheveryotherappellationwithwhichthetongueofvirtueneverfailstolashthosewhobringadisgraceonthesex。
Aconsultationwasnowenteredintohowtoproceedinordertodiscoverthemother。Ascrutinywasfirstmadeintothecharactersofthefemaleservantsofthehouse，whowereallacquittedbyMrs。
Wilkins，andwithapparentmerit；forshehadcollectedthemherself，andperhapsitwouldbedifficulttofindsuchanothersetofscarecrows。
Thenextstepwastoexamineamongtheinhabitantsoftheparish；
andthiswasreferredtoMrs。Wilkins，whowastoenquirewithallimaginablediligence，andtomakeherreportintheafternoon。
Mattersbeingthussettled，Mr。Allworthywithdrewtohisstudy，aswashiscustom，andleftthechildtohissister，who，athisdesire，hadundertakenthecareofit。
Chapter5
Containingafewcommonmatters，withaveryuncommonobservationuponthemWhenhermasterwasdeparted，Mrs。Deborahstoodsilent，expectinghercuefromMissBridget；forastowhathadpastbeforehermaster，theprudenthousekeeperbynomeansrelieduponit，asshehadoftenknownthesentimentsoftheladyinherbrother’sabsencetodiffergreatlyfromthosewhichshehadexpressedinhispresence。
MissBridgetdidnot，however，sufferhertocontinuelonginthisdoubtfulsituation；forhavinglookedsometimeearnestlyatthechild，asitlayasleepinthelapofMrs。Deborah，thegoodladycouldnotforbeargivingitaheartykiss，atthesametimedeclaringherselfwonderfullypleasedwithitsbeautyandinnocence。
Mrs。Deborahnosoonerobservedthisthanshefelltosqueezingandkissing，withasgreatrapturesassometimesinspirethesagedameoffortyandfivetowardsayouthfulandvigorousbridegroom，cryingout，inashrillvoice，\"O，thedearlittlecreature！-Thedear，sweet，prettycreature！Well，Ivowitisasfineaboyaseverwasseen！\"
Theseexclamationscontinuedtilltheywereinterruptedbythelady，whonowproceededtoexecutethecommissiongivenherbyherbrother，andgaveordersforprovidingallnecessariesforthechild，appointingaverygoodroominthehouseforhisnursery。Herorderswereindeedsoliberal，that，haditbeenachildofherown，shecouldnothaveexceededthem；but，lestthevirtuousreadermaycondemnherforshowingtoogreatregardtoabase-borninfant，towhichallcharityiscondemnedbylawasirreligious，wethinkpropertoobservethatsheconcludedthewholewithsaying，\"Sinceitwasherbrother’swhimtoadoptthelittlebrat，shesupposedlittlemastermustbetreatedwithgreattenderness。Forherpart，shecouldnothelpthinkingitwasanencouragementtovice；butthatsheknewtoomuchoftheobstinacyofmankindtoopposeanyoftheirridiculoushumours。\"
Withreflectionsofthisnaturesheusually，ashasbeenhinted，accompaniedeveryactofcompliancewithherbrother’sinclinations；
andsurelynothingcouldmorecontributetoheightenthemeritofthiscompliancethanadeclarationthatsheknew，atthesametime，thefollyandunreasonablenessofthoseinclinationstowhichshesubmitted。Tacitobedienceimpliesnoforceuponthewill，andconsequentlymaybeeasily，andwithoutanypains，preserved；butwhenawife，achild，arelation，orafriend，performswhatwedesire，withgrumblingandreluctance，withexpressionsofdislikeanddissatisfaction，themanifestdifficultywhichtheyundergomustgreatlyenhancetheobligation。
Asthisisoneofthosedeepobservationswhichveryfewreaderscanbesupposedcapableofmakingthemselves，Ihavethoughtpropertolendthemmyassistance；butthisisafavourrarelytobeexpectedinthecourseofmywork；Indeed，Ishallseldomorneversoindulgehim，unlessinsuchinstancesasthis，wherenothingbuttheinspirationwithwhichwewritersaregifted，canpossiblyenableanyonetomakethediscovery。
Chapter6
Mrs。Deborahisintroducedintotheparishwithasimile。AshortaccountofJennyJones，withthedifficultiesanddiscouragementswhichmayattendyoungwomeninthepursuitoflearningMrs。Deborah，havingdisposedofthechildaccordingtothewillofhermaster，nowpreparedtovisitthosehabitationswhichweresupposedtoconcealitsmother。
Nototherwisethanwhenakite，tremendousbird，isbeheldbythefeatheredgenerationsoaringaloft，andhoveringovertheirheads，theamorousdove，andeveryinnocentlittlebird，spreadwidethealarm，andflytremblingtotheirhiding-places。Heproudlybeatstheair，consciousofhisdignity，andmeditatesintendedmischief。
SowhentheapproachofMrs。Deborahwasproclaimedthroughthestreet，alltheinhabitantsrantremblingintotheirhouses，eachmatrondreadinglestthevisitshouldfalltoherlot。Shewithstatelystepsproudlyadvancesoverthefield:aloftshebearshertoweringhead，filledwithconceitofherownpreeminence，andschemestoeffectherintendeddiscovery。
ThesagaciousreaderwillnotfromthissimileimaginethesepoorpeoplehadanyapprehensionofthedesignwithwhichMrs。Wilkinswasnowcomingtowardsthem；butasthegreatbeautyofthesimilemaypossiblysleepthesehundredyears，tillsomefuturecommentatorshalltakethisworkinhand，Ithinkpropertolendthereaderalittleassistanceinthisplace。
Itismyintention，therefore，tosignify，that，asitisthenatureofakitetodevourlittlebirds，soisitthenatureofsuchpersonsasMrs。Wilkinstoinsultandtyrannizeoverlittlepeople。
Thisbeingindeedthemeanswhichtheyusetorecompensetothemselvestheirextremeservilityandcondescensiontotheirsuperiors；fornothingcanbemorereasonable，thanthatslavesandflatterersshouldexactthesametaxesonallbelowthem，whichtheythemselvespaytoallabovethem。
WheneverMrs。DeborahhadoccasiontoexertanyextraordinarycondescensiontoMissBridget，andbythatmeanshadalittlesouredhernaturaldisposition，itwasusualwithhertowalkforthamongthesepeople，inordertorefinehertemper，byventing，and，asitwere，purgingoffallillhumours；onwhichaccountshewasbynomeansawelcomevisitant:tosaythetruth，shewasuniversallydreadedandhatedbythemall。
Onherarrivalinthisplace，shewentimmediatelytothehabitationofanelderlymatron；towhom，asthismatronhadthegoodfortunetoresembleherselfinthecomelinessofherperson，aswellasinherage，shehadgenerallybeenmorefavourablethantoanyoftherest。
Tothiswomansheimpartedwhathadhappened，andthedesignuponwhichshewascomethitherthatmorning。Thesetwobeganpresentlytoscrutinizethecharactersoftheseveralyounggirlswholivedinanyofthosehouses，andatlastfixedtheirstrongestsuspicionononeJennyJones，who，theybothagreed，wasthelikeliestpersontohavecommittedthisfact。
ThisJennyJoneswasnoverycomelygirl，eitherinherfaceorperson；butnaturehadsomewhatcompensatedthewantofbeautywithwhatisgenerallymoreesteemedbythoseladieswhosejudgmentisarrivedatyearsofperfectmaturity，forshehadgivenheraveryuncommonshareofunderstanding。ThisgiftJennyhadagooddealimprovedbyerudition。Shehadlivedseveralyearsaservantwithaschoolmaster，who，discoveringagreatquicknessofpartsinthegirl，andanextraordinarydesireoflearning-foreveryleisurehourshewasalwaysfoundreadinginthebooksofthescholars-hadthegood-nature，orfolly-justasthereaderpleasestocallit-toinstructhersofar，thatsheobtainedacompetentskillintheLatinlanguage，andwas，perhaps，asgoodascholarasmostoftheyoungmenofqualityoftheage。Thisadvantage，however，likemostothersofanextraordinarykind，wasattendedwithsomesmallinconveniences:forasitisnottobewonderedat，thatayoungwomansowellaccomplishedshouldhavelittlerelishforthesocietyofthosewhomfortunehadmadeherequals，butwhomeducationhadrenderedsomuchherinferiors；soitismatterofnogreaterastonishment，thatthissuperiorityinJenny，togetherwiththatbehaviourwhichisitscertainconsequence，shouldproduceamongtherestsomelittleenvyandill-willtowardsher；andthesehad，perhaps，secretlyburntinthebosomsofherneighbourseversinceherreturnfromherservice。
Theirenvydidnot，however，displayitselfopenly，tillpoorJenny，tothesurprizeofeverybody，andtothevexationofalltheyoungwomenintheseparts，hadpublicklyshoneforthonaSundayinanewsilkgown，withalacedcap，andotherproperappendagestothese。
Theflame，whichhadbeforelaininembryo，nowburstforth。Jennyhad，byherlearning，increasedherownpride，whichnoneofherneighbourswerekindenoughtofeedwiththehonoursheseemedtodemand；andnow，insteadofrespectandadoration，shegainednothingbuthatredandabusebyherfinery。Thewholeparishdeclaredshecouldnotcomehonestlybysuchthings；andparents，insteadofwishingtheirdaughtersthesame，felicitatedthemselvesthattheirchildrenhadthemnot。
Hence，perhaps，itwas，thatthegoodwomanfirstmentionedthenameofthispoorgirltoMrs。Wilkins；buttherewasanothercircumstancethatconfirmedthelatterinhersuspicion；forJennyhadlatelybeenoftenatMr。Allworthy’shouse。ShehadofficiatedasnursetoMissBridget，inaviolentfitofillness，andhadsatupmanynightswiththatlady；besideswhich，shehadbeenseentheretheverydaybeforeMr。Allworthy’sreturn，byMrs。Wilkinsherself，thoughthatsagaciouspersonhadnotatfirstconceivedanysuspicionofheronthataccount；for，assheherselfsaid，\"ShehadalwaysesteemedJennyasaverysobergirlthoughindeedsheknewverylittleofher，andhadrathersuspectedsomeofthosewantontrollops，whogavethemselvesairs，because，forsooth，theythoughtthemselveshandsome。\"
JennywasnowsummonedtoappearinpersonbeforeMrs。Deborah，whichsheimmediatelydid。WhenMrs。Deborah，puttingonthegravityofajudge，withsomewhatmorethanhisausterity，begananorationwiththewords，\"Youaudaciousstrumpet！\"inwhichsheproceededrathertopasssentenceontheprisonerthantoaccuseher。
ThoughMrs。DeborahwasfullysatisfiedoftheguiltofJenny，fromthereasonsaboveshown，itispossibleMr。Allworthymighthaverequiredsomestrongerevidencetohaveconvictedher；butshesavedheraccusersanysuchtrouble，byfreelyconfessingthewholefactwithwhichshewascharged。
Thisconfession，thoughdeliveredratherintermsofcontrition，asitappeared，didnotatallmollifyMrs。Deborah，whonowpronouncedasecondjudgmentagainsther，inmoreopprobriouslanguagethanbefore；norhaditanybettersuccesswiththebystanders，whowerenowgrownverynumerous。Manyofthemcriedout，\"Theythoughtwhatmadam’ssilkgownwouldendin\"；othersspokesarcasticallyofherlearning。NotasinglefemalewaspresentbutfoundsomemeansofexpressingherabhorrenceofpoorJenny，whoboreallverypatiently，exceptthemaliceofonewoman，whoreflecteduponherperson，andtossinguphernose，said，\"Themanmusthaveagoodstomachwhowouldgivesilkgownsforsuchsortoftrumpery！\"Jennyrepliedtothiswithabitternesswhichmighthavesurprizedajudiciousperson，whohadobservedthetranquillitywithwhichsheborealltheaffrontstoherchastity；butherpatiencewasperhapstiredout，forthisisavirtuewhichisveryapttobefatiguedbyexercise。
Mrs。Deborahhavingsucceededbeyondherhopesinherinquiry，returnedwithmuchtriumph，and，attheappointedhour，madeafaithfulreporttoMr。Allworthy，whowasmuchsurprizedattherelation；forhehadheardoftheextraordinarypartsandimprovementsofthisgirl，whomheintendedtohavegiveninmarriage，togetherwithasmallliving，toaneighbouringcurate。Hisconcern，therefore，onthisoccasion，wasatleastequaltothesatisfactionwhichappearedinMrs。Deborah，andtomanyreadersmayseemmuchmorereasonable。
MissBridgetblessedherself，andsaid，\"Forherpart，sheshouldneverhereafterentertainagoodopinionofanywoman。\"ForJennybeforethishadthehappinessofbeingmuchinhergoodgracesalso。
TheprudenthousekeeperwasagaindispatchedtobringtheunhappyculpritbeforeMr。Allworthy，inorder，notasitwashopedbysome，andexpectedbyall，tobesenttotheHouseofCorrection，buttoreceivewholesomeadmonitionandreproof；whichthosewhorelishthatkindofinstructivewritingmayperuseinthenextchapter。
Chapter7
Containingsuchgravematter，thatthereadercannotlaughoncethroughthewholechapter，unlessperadventureheshouldlaughattheauthorWhenJennyappeared，Mr。Allworthytookherintohisstudy，andspoketoherasfollows:\"Youknow，child，itisinmypowerasamagistrate，topunishyouveryrigorouslyforwhatyouhavedone；
andyouwill，perhaps，bethemoreapttofearIshouldexecutethatpower，becauseyouhaveinamannerlaidyoursinsatmydoor。
\"But，perhaps，thisisonereasonwhichhathdeterminedmetoactinamildermannerwithyou:for，asnoprivateresentmentshouldeverinfluenceamagistrate，Iwillbesofarfromconsideringyourhavingdepositedtheinfantinmyhouseasanaggravationofyouroffence，thatIwillsuppose，inyourfavour，thistohaveproceededfromanaturalaffectiontoyourchild，sinceyoumighthavesomehopestoseeitthusbetterprovidedforthanwasinthepowerofyourself，oritswickedfather，toprovideforit。Ishouldindeedhavebeenhighlyoffendedwithyouhadyouexposedthelittlewretchinthemannerofsomeinhumanmothers，whoseemnolesstohaveabandonedtheirhumanity，thantohavepartedwiththeirchastity。
Itistheotherpartofyouroffence，therefore，uponwhichIintendtoadmonishyou，Imeantheviolationofyourchastity；-acrime，howeverlightlyitmaybetreatedbydebauchedpersons，veryheinousinitself，andverydreadfulinitsconsequences。
\"TheheinousnatureofthisoffencemustbesufficientlyapparenttoeveryChristian，inasmuchasitiscommittedindefianceofthelawsofourreligion，andoftheexpresscommandsofHimwhofoundedthatreligion。
\"Andhereitsconsequencesmaywellbearguedtobedreadful；forwhatcanbemoreso，thantoincurthedivinedispleasure，bythebreachofthedivinecommands；andthatinaninstanceagainstwhichthehighestvengeanceisspecificallydenounced？
\"Butthesethings，thoughtoolittle，Iamafraid，regarded，aresoplain，thatmankind，howevertheymaywanttobereminded，canneverneedinformationonthishead。Ahint，therefore，toawakenyoursenseofthismatter，shallsuffice；forIwouldinspireyouwithrepentance，andnotdriveyoutodesperation。
\"Thereareotherconsequences，notindeedsodreadfulorrepletewithhorrorasthis；andyetsuch，as，ifattentivelyconsidered，must，onewouldthink，deterallofyoursexatleastfromthecommissionofthiscrime。
\"Forbyityouarerenderedinfamous，anddriven，likelepersofold，outofsociety；atleast，fromthesocietyofallbutwickedandreprobatepersons；fornootherswillassociatewithyou。
\"Ifyouhavefortunes，youareherebyrenderedincapableofenjoyingthem；ifyouhavenone，youaredisabledfromacquiringany，nayalmostofprocuringyoursustenance；fornopersonsofcharacterwillreceiveyouintotheirhouses。Thusyouareoftendrivenbynecessityitselfintoastateofshameandmisery，whichunavoidablyendsinthedestructionofbothbodyandsoul。
\"Cananypleasurecompensatetheseevils？Cananytemptationhavesophistryanddelusionstrongenoughtopersuadeyoutososimpleabargain？Orcananycarnalappetitesooverpoweryourreason，orsototallylayitasleep，astopreventyourflyingwithaffrightandterrorfromacrimewhichcarriessuchpunishmentalwayswithit？
\"Howbaseandmeanmustthatwomanbe，howvoidofthatdignityofmind，anddecentpride，withoutwhichwearenotworthythenameofhumancreatures，whocanbeartolevelherselfwiththelowestanimal，andtosacrificeallthatisgreatandnobleinher，allherheavenlypart，toanappetitewhichshehathincommonwiththevilestbranchofthecreation！Fornowoman，sure，willpleadthepassionofloveforanexcuse。Thiswouldbetoownherselfthemeretoolandbubbleoftheman。Love，howeverbarbarouslywemaycorruptandpervertitsmeaning，asitisalaudable，isarationalpassion，andcanneverbeviolentbutwhenreciprocal；forthoughtheScripturebidsusloveourenemies，itmeansnotwiththatferventlovewhichwenaturallybeattowardsourfriends；muchlessthatweshouldsacrificetothemourlives，andwhatoughttobedearertous，ourinnocence。
Nowinwhatlight，butthatofanenemy，canareasonablewomanregardthemanwhosolicitshertoentailonherselfallthemiseryIhavedescribedtoyou，andwhowouldpurchasetohimselfashort，trivial，contemptiblepleasure，sogreatlyatherexpense！For，bythelawsofcustom，thewholeshame，withallitsdreadfulconsequences，fallsintirelyuponher。Canlove，whichalwaysseeksthegoodofitsobject，attempttobetrayawomanintoabargainwheresheissogreatlytobetheloser？Ifsuchcorrupter，therefore，shouldhavetheimpudencetopretendarealaffectionforher，oughtnotthewomantoregardhimnotonlyasanenemy，butastheworstofallenemies，afalse，designing，treacherous，pretendedfriend，whointendsnotonlytodebauchherbody，butherunderstandingatthesametime？\"
HereJennyexpressinggreatconcern，Allworthypausedamoment，andthenproceeded:\"Ihavetalkedthustoyou，child，nottoinsultyouforwhatispastandirrevocable，buttocautionandstrengthenyouforthefuture。NorshouldIhavetakenthistrouble，butfromsomeopinionofyourgoodsense，notwithstandingthedreadfulslipyouhavemade；andfromsomehopesofyourheartyrepentance，whicharefoundedontheopennessandsincerityofyourconfession。Ifthesedonotdeceiveme，Iwilltakecaretoconveyyoufromthissceneofyourshame，whereyoushall，bybeingunknown，avoidthepunishmentwhich，asIhavesaid，isallottedtoyourcrimeinthisworld；andIhope，byrepentance，youwillavoidthemuchheaviersentencedenouncedagainstitintheother。Beagoodgirltherestofyourdays，andwantshallbenomotivetoyourgoingastray；and，believeme，thereismorepleasure，eveninthisworld，inaninnocentandvirtuouslife，thaninonedebauchedandvicious。
\"Astoyourchild，letnothoughtsconcerningitmolestyou；I
willprovideforitinabettermannerthanyoucaneverhope。Andnownothingremainsbutthatyouinformmewhowasthewickedmanthatseducedyou；formyangeragainsthimwillbemuchgreaterthanyouhaveexperiencedonthisoccasion。\"
Jennynowliftedhereyesfromtheground，andwithamodestlookanddecentvoicethusbegan:-
\"Toknowyou，sir，andnotloveyourgoodness，wouldbeanargumentoftotalwantofsenseorgoodnessinanyone。Inmeitwouldamounttothehighestingratitude，nottofeel，inthemostsensiblemanner，thegreatdegreeofgoodnessyouhavebeenpleasedtoexertonthisoccasion。Astomyconcernforwhatispast，Iknowyouwillsparemyblushestherepetition。MyfutureconductwillmuchbetterdeclaremysentimentsthananyprofessionsIcannowmake。Ibegleavetoassureyou，sir，thatItakeyouradvicemuchkinderthanyourgenerousofferwithwhichyouconcludedit；for，asyouarepleasedtosay，sir，itisaninstanceofyouropinionofmyunderstanding。\"-
Herehertearsflowingapace，shestoppedafewmoments，andthenproceededthus:-\"Indeed，sir，yourkindnessovercomesme；butIwillendeavourtodeservethisgoodopinion:forifIhavetheunderstandingyouaresokindlypleasedtoallowme，suchadvicecannotbethrownawayuponme。Ithankyou，sir，heartily，foryourintendedkindnesstomypoorhelplesschild:heisinnocent，andI
hopewilllivetobegratefulforallthefavoursyoushallshowhim。
Butnow，sir，Imustonmykneesentreatyounottopersistinaskingmetodeclarethefatherofmyinfant。Ipromiseyoufaithfullyyoushallonedayknow；butIamunderthemostsolemntiesandengagementsofhonour，aswellasthemostreligiousvowsandprotestations，toconcealhisnameatthistime。AndIknowyoutoowell，tothinkyouwoulddesireIshouldsacrificeeithermyhonourormyreligion。\"
Mr。Allworthy，whomtheleastmentionofthosesacredwordswassufficienttostagger，hesitatedamomentbeforehereplied，andthentoldher，shehaddonewrongtoenterintosuchengagementstoavillain；butsinceshehad，hecouldnotinsistonherbreakingthem。Hesaid，itwasnotfromamotiveofvaincuriosityhehadinquired，butinordertopunishthefellow；atleast，thathemightnotignorantlyconferfavoursontheundeserving。
Astothesepoints，Jennysatisfiedhimbythemostsolemnassurances，thatthemanwasentirelyoutofhisreach；andwasneithersubjecttohispower，norinanyprobabilityofbecominganobjectofhisgoodness。
TheingenuityofthisbehaviourhadgainedJennysomuchcreditwiththisworthyman，thatheeasilybelievedwhatshetoldhim；forasshehaddisdainedtoexcuseherselfbyalie，andhadhazardedhisfurtherdispleasureinherpresentsituation，ratherthanshewouldforfeitherhonourorintegritybybetrayinganother，hehadbutlittleapprehensionsthatshewouldbeguiltyoffalsehoodtowardshimself。
Hethereforedismissedherwithassurancesthathewouldverysoonremoveheroutofthereachofthatobloquyshehadincurred；
concludingwithsomeadditionaldocuments，inwhichherecommendedrepentance，saying，\"Consider，child，thereisOnestilltoreconcileyourselfto，whosefavourisofmuchgreaterimportancetoyouthanmine。\"
Chapter8
AdialoguebetweenMesdamesBridgetandDeborah；containingmoreamusement，butlessinstruction，thantheformerWhenMr。AllworthyhadretiredtohisstudywithJennyJones，ashathbeenseen，Mrs。Bridget，withthegoodhousekeeper，hadbetakenthemselvestoapostnextadjoiningtothesaidstudy；whence，throughtheconveyanceofakeyhole，theysuckedinattheirearstheinstructivelecturedeliveredbyMr。Allworthy，togetherwiththeanswersofJenny，andindeedeveryotherparticularwhichpassedinthelastchapter。
Thisholeinherbrother’sstudy-doorwasindeedaswellknowntoMrs。Bridget，andhadbeenasfrequentlyappliedtobyher，asthefamousholeinthewallwasbyThisbeofold。Thisservedtomanygoodpurposes。ForbysuchmeansMrs。Bridgetbecameoftenacquaintedwithherbrother’sinclinations，withoutgivinghimthetroubleofrepeatingthemtoher。Itistrue，someinconveniencesattendedthisintercourse，andshehadsometimesreasontocryoutwithThisbe，inShakespear，\"O，wicked，wickedwall！\"ForasMr。Allworthywasajusticeofpeace，certainthingsoccurredinexaminationsconcerningbastards，andsuchlike，whichareapttogivegreatoffencetothechasteearsofvirgins，especiallywhentheyapproachtheageofforty，aswasthecaseofMissBridget。However，shehad，onsuchoccasions，theadvantageofconcealingherblushesfromtheeyesofmen；andDenonapparentibus，etnonexistentibuseademestratio*-inEnglish，\"Whenawomanisnotseentoblush，shedothnotblushatall。\"
*Thingswhichdonotappeararetobetreatedthesameasthosewhichdonotexist-COKE
BoththegoodwomenkeptstrictsilenceduringthewholescenebetweenMr。Allworthyandthegirl；butassoonasitwasended，andthatgentlemanwasoutofhearing，Mrs。Deborahcouldnothelpexclaimingagainsttheclemencyofhermaster，andespeciallyagainsthissufferinghertoconcealthefatherofthechild，whichshesworeshewouldhaveoutofherbeforethesunset。
AtthesewordsMissBridgetdiscomposedherfeatureswithasmileathingveryunusualtoher。NotthatIwouldhavemyreaderimagine，thatthiswasoneofthosewantonsmileswhichHomerwouldhaveyouconceivecamefromVenus，whenhecallsherthelaughter-lovinggoddess；norwasitoneofthosesmileswhichLadySeraphinashootsfromthestage-box，andwhichVenuswouldquitherimmortalitytobeabletoequal。No，thiswasratheroneofthosesmileswhichmightbesupposedtohavecomefromthedimpledcheeksoftheaugustTisiphone，orfromoneofthemisses，hersisters。
Withsuchasmilethen，andwithavoicesweetastheeveningbreezeofBoreasinthepleasantmonthofNovember，MissBridgetgentlyreprovedthecuriosityofMrs。Deborah；avicewithwhichitseemsthelatterwastoomuchtainted，andwhichtheformerinveighedagainstwithgreatbitterness，adding，\"That，amongallherfaults，shethankedHeavenherenemiescouldnotaccuseherofpryingintotheaffairsofotherpeople。\"
ShethenproceededtocommendthehonourandspiritwithwhichJennyhadacted。Shesaid，shecouldnothelpagreeingwithherbrother，thattherewassomemeritinthesincerityofherconfession，andinherintegritytoherlover:thatshehadalwaysthoughtheraverygoodgirl，anddoubtednotbutshehadbeenseducedbysomerascal，whohadbeeninfinitelymoretoblamethanherself，andveryprobablyhadprevailedwithherbyapromiseofmarriage，orsomeothertreacherousproceeding。
ThisbehaviourofMissBridgetgreatlysurprisedMrs。Deborah；forthiswell-bredwomanseldomopenedherlips，eithertohermasterorhissister，tillshehadfirstsoundedtheirinclinations，withwhichhersentimentswerealwaysconsonant。Here，however，shethoughtshemighthavelaunchedforthwithsafety；andthesagaciousreaderwillnotperhapsaccuseherofwantofsufficientforecastinsodoing，butwillratheradmirewithwhatwonderfulcelerityshetackedabout，whenshefoundherselfsteeringawrongcourse。
\"Nay，madam，\"saidthisablewoman，andtrulygreatpolitician，\"I
mustownIcannothelpadmiringthegirl’sspirit，aswellasyourladyship。And，asyourladyshipsays，ifshewasdeceivedbysomewickedman，thepoorwretchistobepitied。Andtobesure，asyourladyshipsays，thegirlhathalwaysappearedlikeagood，honest，plaingirl，andnotvainofherface，forsooth，assomewantonhusseysintheneighbourhoodare。\"
\"Yousaytrue，Deborah，\"saidMissBridget。\"Ifthegirlhadbeenoneofthosevaintrollops，ofwhichwehavetoomanyintheparish，I
shouldhavecondemnedmybrotherforhislenitytowardsher。Isawtwofarmers’daughtersatchurch，theotherday，withbarenecks。I
protesttheyshockedme。Ifwencheswillhangoutluresforfellows，itisnomatterwhattheysuffer。Idetestsuchcreatures；anditwouldbemuchbetterforthemthattheirfaceshadbeenseamedwiththesmallpox；butImustconfess，IneversawanyofthiswantonbehaviourinpoorJenny:someartfulvillain，Iamconvinced，hathbetrayed，nayperhapsforcedher；andIpitythepoorwretchwithallmyheart。\"
Mrs。Deborahapprovedallthesesentiments，andthedialogueconcludedwithageneralandbitterinvectiveagainstbeauty，andwithmanycompassionateconsiderationsforallhonest，plaingirlswhoaredeludedbythewickedartsofdeceitfulmen。
Chapter9
ContainingmatterswhichwillsurprizethereaderJennyreturnedhomewellpleasedwiththereceptionshehadmetwithfromMr。Allworthy，whoseindulgencetohersheindustriouslymadepublic；partlyperhapsasasacrificetoherownpride，andpartlyfromthemoreprudentmotiveofreconcilingherneighbourstoher，andsilencingtheirclamours。
Butthoughthislatterview，ifsheindeedhadit，mayappearreasonableenough，yettheeventdidnotanswerherexpectation；forwhenshewasconvenedbeforethejustice，anditwasuniversallyapprehendedthattheHouseofCorrectionwouldhavebeenherfate，thoughsomeoftheyoungwomencryedout\"Itwasgoodenoughforher，\"
anddivertedthemselveswiththethoughtsofherbeatinghempinasilkgown；yetthereweremanyotherswhobegantopityhercondition:
butwhenitwasknowninwhatmannerMr。Allworthyhadbehaved，thetideturnedagainsther。Onesaid，\"I’llassureyou，madamhathhadgoodluck。\"Asecondcryed，\"Seewhatitistobeafavourite！\"A
third，\"Ay，thiscomesofherlearning。\"Everypersonmadesomemaliciouscommentorotherontheoccasion，andreflectedonthepartialityofthejustice。
Thebehaviourofthesepeoplemayappearimpoliticandungratefultothereader，whoconsidersthepowerandbenevolenceofMr。
Allworthy。Butastohispower，heneverusedit；andastohisbenevolence，heexertedsomuch，thathehadtherebydisobligedallhisneighbours；foritisasecretwellknowntogreatmen，that，byconferringanobligation，theydonotalwaysprocureafriend，butarecertainofcreatingmanyenemies。
Jennywas，however，bythecareandgoodnessofMr。Allworthy，soonremovedoutofthereachofreproach；whenmalicebeingnolongerabletoventitsrageonher，begantoseekanotherobjectofitsbitterness，andthiswasnolessthanMr。Allworthy，himself；forawhispersoonwentabroad，thathehimselfwasthefatherofthefoundlingchild。
Thissuppositionsowellreconciledhisconducttothegeneralopinion，thatitmetwithuniversalassent；andtheoutcryagainsthislenitysoonbegantotakeanotherturn，andwaschangedintoaninvectiveagainsthiscrueltytothepoorgirl。Verygraveandgoodwomenexclaimedagainstmenwhobegotchildren，andthendisownedthem。Norweretherewantingsome，who，afterthedepartureofJenny，insinuatedthatshewasspiritedawaywithadesigntooblacktobementioned，andwhogavefrequenthintsthatalegalinquiryoughttobemadeintothewholematter，andthatsomepeopleshouldbeforcedtoproducethegirl。
Thesecalumniesmighthaveprobablyproducedillconsequences，attheleastmightgaveoccasionedsometrouble，toapersonofamoredoubtfulandsuspiciouscharacterthanMr。Allworthywasblessedwith；
butinhiscasetheyhadnosucheffect；and，beingheartilydespisedbyhim，theyservedonlytoaffordaninnocentamusementtothegoodgossipsoftheneighbourhood。
Butaswecannotpossiblydivinewhatcomplectionourreadermaybeof，andasitwillbesometimebeforehewillhearanymoreofJenny，wethinkpropertogivehimaveryearlyintimation，thatMr。
Allworthywas，andwillhereafterappeartobe，absolutelyinnocentofanycriminalintentionwhatever。Hehadindeedcommittednootherthananerrorinpolitics，bytemperingjusticewithmercy，andbyrefusingtogratifythegood-natureddispositionofthemob，*withanobjectfortheircompassiontoworkoninthepersonofpoorJenny，whom，inordertopity，theydesiredtohaveseensacrificedtoruinandinfamy，byashamefulcorrectioninBridewell。
*Wheneverthiswordoccursinourwritings，itintendspersonswithoutvirtueorsense，inallstations；andmanyofthehighestrankareoftenmeantbyit。
Sofarfromcomplyingwiththistheirinclination，bywhichallhopesofreformationwouldhavebeenabolished，andeventhegateshutagainstherifherowninclinationsshouldeverhereafterleadhertochusetheroadofvirtue，Mr。Allworthyratherchosetoencouragethegirltoreturnthitherbytheonlypossiblemeans；fortootrueIamafraiditis，thatmanywomenhavebecomeabandoned，andhavesunktothelastdegreeofvice，bybeingunabletoretrievethefirstslip。Thiswillbe，Iamafraid，alwaysthecasewhiletheyremainamongtheirformeracquaintance；itwasthereforewiselydonebyMr。
Allworthy，toremoveJennytoaplacewhereshemightenjoythepleasureofreputation，afterhavingtastedtheillconsequencesoflosingit。
Tothisplacetherefore，whereveritwas，wewillwishheragoodjourney，andforthepresenttakeleaveofher，andofthelittlefoundlingherchild，havingmattersofmuchhigherimportancetocommunicatetothereader。
Chapter10
ThehospitalityofAllworthy；withashortsketchofthecharactersoftwobrothers，adoctorandacaptain，whowereentertainedbythatgentlemanNeitherMr。Allworthy’shouse，norhisheart，wereshutagainstanypartofmankind，buttheywerebothmoreparticularlyopentomenofmerit。Tosaythetruth，thiswastheonlyhouseinthekingdomwhereyouwassuretogainadinnerbydeservingit。
Aboveallothers，menofgeniusandlearningsharedtheprincipalplaceinhisfavour；andinthesehehadmuchdiscernment:forthoughhehadmissedtheadvantageofalearnededucation，yet，beingblestwithvastnaturalabilities，hehadsowellprofitedbyavigorousthoughlateapplicationtoletters，andbymuchconversationwithmenofeminenceinthisway，thathewashimselfaverycompetentjudgeinmostkindsofliterature。
Itisnowonderthatinanagewhenthiskindofmeritissolittleinfashion，andsoslenderlyprovidedfor，personspossessedofitshouldveryeagerlyflocktoaplacewheretheyweresureofbeingreceivedwithgreatcomplaisance；indeed，wheretheymightenjoyalmostthesameadvantagesofaliberalfortuneasiftheywereentitledtoitintheirownright；forMr。Allworthywasnotoneofthosegenerouspersonswhoarereadymostbountifullytobestowmeat，drink，andlodgingonmenofwitandlearning，forwhichtheyexpectnootherreturnbutentertainment，instruction，flattery，andsubserviency；inaword，thatsuchpersonsshouldbeenrolledinthenumberofdomestics，withoutwearingtheirmaster’scloathes，orreceivingwages。
Onthecontrary，everypersoninthishousewasperfectmasterofhisowntime:andashemightathispleasuresatisfyallhisappetiteswithintherestrictionsonlyoflaw，virtue，andreligion；
sohemight，ifhishealthrequired，orhisinclinationpromptedhimtotemperance，oreventoabstinence，absenthimselffromanymeals，orretirefromthem，wheneverhewassodisposed，withoutevenasollicitationtothecontrary:for，indeed，suchsollicitationsfromsuperiorsalwayssavourverystronglyofcommands。Butallherewerefreefromsuchimpertinence，notonlythosewhosecompanyisinallotherplacesesteemedafavourfromtheirequalityoffortune，buteventhosewhoseindigentcircumstancesmakesuchaneleemosynaryabodeconvenienttothem，andwhoarethereforelesswelcometoagreatman’stablebecausetheystandinneedofit。
AmongothersofthiskindwasDr。Blifil，agentlemanwhohadthemisfortuneoflosingtheadvantageofgreattalentsbytheobstinacyofafather，whowouldbreedhimtoaprofessionhedisliked。Inobediencetothisobstinacythedoctorhadinhisyouthbeenobligedtostudyphysic，orrathertosayhestudiedit；forinrealitybooksofthiskindwerealmosttheonlyoneswithwhichhewasunacquainted；andunfortunatelyforhim，thedoctorwasmasterofalmosteveryothersciencebutthatbywhichhewastogethisbread；theconsequenceofwhichwas，thatthedoctorattheageoffortyhadnobreadtoeat。
SuchapersonasthiswascertaintofindawelcomeatMr。
Allworthy’stable，towhommisfortuneswereeverarecommendation，whentheywerederivedfromthefollyorvillanyofothers，andnotoftheunfortunatepersonhimself。Besidesthisnegativemerit，thedoctorhadonepositiverecommendation；-thiswasagreatappearanceofreligion。Whetherhisreligionwasreal，orconsistedonlyinappearance，Ishallnotpresumetosay，asIamnotpossessedofanytouchstonewhichcandistinguishthetruefromthefalse。
IfthispartofhischaracterpleasedMr。Allworthy，itdelightedMissBridget。Sheengagedhiminmanyreligiouscontroversies；onwhichoccasionssheconstantlyexpressedgreatsatisfactioninthedoctor’sknowledge，andnotmuchlessinthecomplimentswhichhefrequentlybestowedonherown。Tosaythetruth，shehadreadmuchEnglishdivinity，andhadpuzzledmorethanoneoftheneighbouringcurates。Indeed，herconversationwassopure，herlookssosage，andherwholedeportmentsograveandsolemn，thatsheseemedtodeservethenameofsaintequallywithhernamesake，orwithanyotherfemaleintheRomankalendar。
Assympathiesofallkindsareapttobegetlove，soexperienceteachesusthatnonehaveamoredirecttendencythiswaythanthoseofareligiouskindbetweenpersonsofdifferentsexes。ThedoctorfoundhimselfsoagreeabletoMissBridget，thathenowbegantolamentanunfortunateaccidentwhichhadhappenedtohimabouttenyearsbefore；namely，hismarriagewithanotherwoman，whowasnotonlystillalive，but，whatwasworse，knowntobesobyMr。
Allworthy。Thiswasafatalbartothathappinesswhichheotherwisesawsufficientprobabilityofobtainingwiththisyounglady；forastocriminalindulgences，hecertainlyneverthoughtofthem。Thiswasowingeithertohisreligion，asismostprobable，ortothepurityofhispassion，whichwasfixedonthosethingswhichmatrimonyonly，andnotcriminalcorrespondence，couldputhiminpossessionof，orcouldgivehimanytitleto。
Hehadnotlongruminatedonthesematters，beforeitoccurredtohismemorythathehadabrotherwhowasundernosuchunhappyincapacity。Thisbrotherhemadenodoubtwouldsucceed；forhediscerned，ashethought，aninclinationtomarriageinthelady；
andthereaderperhaps，whenhehearsthebrother’squalifications，willnotblametheconfidencewhichheentertainedofhissuccess。
Thisgentlemanwasaboutthirty-fiveyearsofage。Hewasofamiddlesize，andwhatiscalledwell-built。Hehadascaronhisforehead，whichdidnotsomuchinjurehisbeautyasitdenotedhisvalourforhewasahalf-payofficer。Hehadgoodteeth，andsomethingaffable，whenhepleased，inhissmile；thoughnaturallyhiscountenance，aswellashisairandvoice，hadmuchofroughnessinit:yethecouldatanytimedepositthis，andappearallgentlenessandgoodhumour。Hewasnotungenteel，norentirelydevoidofwit，andinhisyouthhadaboundedinsprightliness，which，thoughhehadlatelyputonamoreseriouscharacter，hecould，whenhepleased，resume。
Hehad，aswellasthedoctor，anacademiceducation；forhisfatherhad，withthesamepaternalauthoritywehavementionedbefore，decreedhimforholyorders；butastheoldgentlemandiedbeforehewasordained，hechosethechurchmilitary，andpreferredtheking’scommissiontothebishop’s。
Hehadpurchasedthepostoflieutenantofdragoons，andafterwardscametobeacaptain；buthavingquarrelledwithhiscolonel，wasbyhisinterestobligedtosell；fromwhichtimehehadentirelyrusticatedhimself，hadbetakenhimselftostudyingtheScriptures，andwasnotalittlesuspectedofaninclinationtomethodism。
Itseemed，therefore，notunlikelythatsuchapersonshouldsucceedwithaladyofsosaint-likeadisposition，andwhoseinclinationswerenootherwiseengagedthantothemarriagestateingeneral；butwhythedoctor，whocertainlyhadnogreatfriendshipforhisbrother，shouldforhissakethinkofmakingsoillareturntothehospitalityofAllworthy，isamatternotsoeasytobeaccountedfor。
Isitthatsomenaturesdelightinevil，asothersarethoughttodelightinvirtue？Oristhereapleasureinbeingaccessorytoatheftwhenwecannotcommititourselves？Orlastlywhichexperienceseemstomakeprobable，haveweasatisfactioninaggrandizingourfamilies，eventhoughwehavenottheleastloveorrespectforthem？
Whetheranyofthesemotivesoperatedonthedoctor，wewillnotdetermine；butsothefactwas。Hesentforhisbrother，andeasilyfoundmeanstointroducehimatAllworthy’sasapersonwhointendedonlyashortvisittohimself。
Thecaptainhadnotbeeninthehouseaweekbeforethedoctorhadreasontofelicitatehimselfonhisdiscernment。ThecaptainwasindeedasgreatamasteroftheartofloveasOvidwasformerly。Hehadbesidesreceivedproperhintsfromhisbrother，whichhefailednottoimprovetothebestadvantage。
Chapter11
Containingmanyrules，andsomeexamples，concerningfallinginlove:descriptionsofbeauty，andothermoreprudentialinducementstomatrimonyIthathbeenobserved，bywisemenorwomen，Iforgetwhich，thatallpersonsaredoomedtobeinloveonceintheirlives。Noparticularseasonis，asIremember，assignedforthis；buttheageatwhichMissBridgetwasarrived，seemstomeasproperaperiodasanytobefixedonforthispurpose:itoften，indeed，happensmuchearlier；butwhenitdothnot，Ihaveobserveditseldomorneverfailsaboutthistime。Moreover，wemayremarkthatatthisseasonloveisofamoreseriousandsteadynaturethanwhatsometimesshowsitselfintheyoungerpartsoflife。Theloveofgirlsisuncertain，capricious，andsofoolishthatwecannotalwaysdiscoverwhattheyoungladywouldbeat；nay，itmayalmostbedoubtedwhethershealwaysknowsthisherself。
Nowweareneveratalosstodiscernthisinwomenaboutforty；forassuchgrave，serious，andexperiencedladieswellknowtheirownmeaning，soitisalwaysveryeasyforamanoftheleastsagacitytodiscoveritwiththeutmostcertainty。
MissBridgetisanexampleofalltheseobservations。Shehadnotbeenmanytimesinthecaptain’scompanybeforeshewasseizedwiththispassion。Nordidshegopiningandmopingaboutthehouse，likeapuny，foolishgirl，ignorantofherdistemper:shefelt，sheknew，andsheenjoyed，thepleasingsensation，ofwhich，asshewascertainitwasnotonlyinnocentbutlaudable，shewasneitherafraidnorashamed。
Andtosaythetruth，thereis，inallpoints，greatdifferencebetweenthereasonablepassionwhichwomenatthisageconceivetowardsmen，andtheidleandchildishlikingofagirltoaboy，whichisoftenfixedontheoutsideonly，andonthingsoflittlevalueandnoduration；asoncherry-cheeks，small，lily-whitehands，sloe-blackeyes，flowinglocks，downychins，dappershapes；nay，sometimesoncharmsmoreworthlessthanthese，andlesstheparty’sown；sucharetheoutwardornamentsoftheperson，forwhichmenarebeholdentothetaylor，thelaceman，theperiwig-maker，thehatter，andthemilliner，andnottonature。Suchapassiongirlsmaywellbeashamed，astheygenerallyare，toowneithertothemselvesorothers。
TheloveofMissBridgetwasofanotherkind。Thecaptainowednothingtoanyofthesefop-makersinhisdress，norwashispersonmuchmorebeholdentonature。Bothhisdressandpersonweresuchas，hadtheyappearedinanassemblyoradrawing-room，wouldhavebeenthecontemptandridiculeofallthefineladiesthere。Theformerofthesewasindeedneat，butplain，coarse，ill-fancied，andoutoffashion。Asforthelatter，wehaveexpresslydescribeditabove。Sofarwastheskinonhischeeksfrombeingcherry-coloured，thatyoucouldnotdiscernwhatthenaturalcolourofhischeekswas，theybeingtotallyovergrownbyablackbeard，whichascendedtohiseyes。Hisshapeandlimbswereindeedexactlyproportioned，butsolargethattheydenotedthestrengthratherofaploughmanthananyother。Hisshoulderswerebroadbeyondallsize，andthecalvesofhislegslargerthanthoseofacommonchairman。Inshort，hiswholepersonwantedallthateleganceandbeautywhichistheveryreverseofclumsystrength，andwhichsoagreeablysetsoffmostofourfinegentlemen；beingpartlyowingtothehighbloodoftheirancestors，viz。，bloodmadeofrichsaucesandgenerouswines，andpartlytoanearlytowneducation。
ThoughMissBridgetwasawomanofthegreatestdelicacyoftaste，yetsuchwerethecharmsofthecaptain’sconversation，thatshetotallyoverlookedthedefectsofhisperson。Sheimagined，andperhapsverywisely，thatsheshouldenjoymoreagreeableminuteswiththecaptainthanwithamuchprettierfellow；andforewenttheconsiderationofpleasinghereyes，inordertoprocureherselfmuchmoresolidsatisfaction。
ThecaptainnosoonerperceivedthepassionofMissBridget，inwhichdiscoveryhewasveryquick-sighted，thanhefaithfullyreturnedit。Thelady，nomorethanherlover，wasremarkableforbeauty。I
wouldattempttodrawherpicture，butthatisdonealreadybyamoreablemaster，Mr。Hogarthhimself，towhomshesatmanyyearsago，andhathbeenlatelyexhibitedbythatgentlemaninhisprintofawinter’smorning，ofwhichshewasnoimproperemblem，andmaybeseenwalkingforwalkshedothintheprinttoCoventGardenchurch，withastarvedfoot-boybehindcarryingherprayer-book。
Thecaptainlikewiseverywiselypreferredthemoresolidenjoymentsheexpectedwiththislady，tothefleetingcharmsofperson。Hewasoneofthosewisemenwhoregardbeautyintheothersexasaveryworthlessandsuperficialqualification；or，tospeakmoretruly，whoratherchusetopossesseveryconvenienceoflifewithanuglywoman，thanahandsomeonewithoutanyofthoseconveniences。Andhavingaverygoodappetite，andbutlittlenicety，hefanciedheshouldplayhispartverywellatthematrimonialbanquet，withoutthesauceofbeauty。