Mrs。Fitzpatrick，hearingfromMrs。HonourthatSophiahadnotbeeninbedduringthetwolastnights，andobservinghertolookverypaleandwanwithherfatigue，earnestlyentreatedhertorefreshherselfwithsomesleep。Shewasyetastrangertoherhistory，orherapprehensions；but，hadsheknownboth，shewouldhavegiventhesameadvice；forrestwasvisiblynecessaryforher；andtheirlongjourneythroughbye-roadssoentirelyremovedalldangerofpursuit，thatshewasherselfperfectlyeasyonthataccount。
Sophiawaseasilyprevailedontofollowthecounselofherfriend，whichwasheartilysecondedbyhermaid。Mrs。Fitzpatricklikewiseofferedtobearhercousincompany，whichSophia，withmuchcomplacence，accepted。
Themistresswasnosoonerinbedthanthemaidpreparedtofollowherexample。ShebegantomakemanyapologiestohersisterAbigailforleavingheraloneinsohorridaplaceasaninn；buttheotherstopthershort，beingaswellinclinedtoanapasherself，anddesiredthehonourofbeingherbedfellow。Sophia’smaidagreedtogiveherashareofherbed，butputinherclaimtoallthehonour。
So，aftermanycourtsiesandcompliments，tobedtogetherwentthewaiting-women，astheirmistresseshaddonebeforethem。
Itwasusualwithmylandlordasindeeditiswiththewholefraternitytoenquireparticularlyofallcoachmen，footmen，post-boys，andothers，intothenamesofallhisguests；whattheirestatewas，andwhereitlay。Itcannotthereforebewonderedat，thatthemanyparticularcircumstanceswhichattendedourtravellers，andespeciallytheirretiringalltosleepatsoextraordinaryandunusualanhourasteninthemorning，shouldexcitehiscuriosity。Assoon，therefore，astheguidesenteredthekitchen，hebegantoexaminewhotheladieswere，andwhencetheycame；buttheguides，thoughtheyfaithfullyrelatedalltheyknew，gavehimverylittlesatisfaction。
Onthecontrary，theyratherenflamedhiscuriositythanextinguishedit。
Thislandlordhadthecharacter，amongallhisneighbours，ofbeingaverysagaciousfellow。Hewasthoughttoseefartheranddeeperintothingsthananymanintheparish，theparsonhimselfnotexcepted。Perhapshislookhadcontributednotalittletoprocurehimthisreputation；fortherewasinthissomethingwonderfullywiseandsignificant，especiallywhenhehadapipeinhismouth；
which，indeed，heseldomwaswithout。Hisbehaviour，likewise，greatlyassistedinpromotingtheopinionofhiswisdom。Inhisdeportmenthewassolemn，ifnotsullen；andwhenhespoke，whichwasseldom，healwaysdeliveredhimselfinaslowvoice；and，thoughsentenceswereshort，theywerestillinterruptedwithmanyhumsandha’s，ayays，andotherexpletives:sothat，thoughheaccompaniedhiswordswithcertainexplanatorygestures，suchasshakingornoddingthehead，orpointingwithhisfore-finger，hegenerallylefthishearerstounderstandmorethanheexpressed；nay，hecommonlygavethemahintthatheknewmuchmorethanhethoughtpropertodisclose。
Thislastcircumstancealonemay，indeed，verywellaccountforhischaracterofwisdom；sincemenarestrangelyinclinedtoworshipwhattheydonotunderstand。Agrandsecret，uponwhichseveralimposersonmankindhavetotallyreliedforthesuccessoftheirfrauds。
Thispoliteperson，nowtakinghiswifeaside，askedher\"whatshethoughtoftheladieslatelyarrived？\"\"Thinkofthem？\"saidthewife，why，whatshouldIthinkofthem？\"\"Iknow，\"answeredhe，\"whatI
think。Theguidestellstrangestories。OnepretendstobecomefromGloucester，andtheotherfromUpton；andneitherofthem，forwhatIcanfind，cantellwhithertheyaregoing。ButwhatpeopleevertravelacrossthecountryfromUptonhither，especiallytoLondon？Andoneofthemaidservants，beforeshealightedfromherhorse，askedifthiswasnottheLondonroad？NowIhaveputallthesecircumstancestogether，andwhomdoyouthinkIhavefoundthemouttobe？\"\"Nay，\"answeredshe，\"youknowIneverpretendtoguessatyourdiscoveries。\"——\"Itisagoodgirl，\"repliedhe，chuckingherunderthechin；\"Imustownyouhavealwayssubmittedtomyknowledgeofthesematters。Why，then，dependuponit；mindwhatIsay-dependuponit，theyarecertainlysomeoftherebelladies，who，theysay，travelwiththeyoungChevalier；andhavetakenaround-aboutwaytoescapetheduke’sarmy。\"
\"Husband，\"quoththewife，\"youhavecertainlyhitit；foroneofthemisdressedasfineasanyprincess；and，tobesure，shelooksforalltheworldlikeone——Butyet，whenIconsideronething\"——
\"Whenyouconsider，\"criesthelandlordcontemptuously——\"Come，praylet’shearwhatyouconsider。\"——\"Why，itis，\"answeredthewife，\"thatsheistoohumbletobeanyverygreatlady:for，whileourBettywaswarmingthebed，shecalledhernothingbutchild，andmydear，andsweetheart；and，whenBettyofferedtopulloffhershoesandstockings，shewouldnotsufferher，saying，shewouldnotgiveherthetrouble。\"
\"Pugh！\"answeredthehusband，\"thatisnothing。Dostthink，becauseyouhaveseensomegreatladiesrudeandunciviltopersonsbelowthem，thatnoneofthemknowhowtobehavethemselveswhentheycomebeforetheirinferiors？IthinkIknowpeopleoffashionwhenIseethem-IthinkIdo。Didnotshecallforaglassofwaterwhenshecamein？Anothersortofwomenwouldhavecalledforadram；youknowtheywould。Ifshebenotawomanofverygreatquality，sellmeforafool；and，Ibelieve，thosewhobuymewillhaveabadbargain。Now，wouldawomanofherqualitytravelwithoutafootman，unlessuponsomesuchextraordinaryoccasion？\"\"Nay，tobesure，husband，\"criesshe，\"youknowthesemattersbetterthanI，ormostfolk。\"\"IthinkIdoknowsomething，\"saidhe。\"Tobesure，\"
answeredthewife，\"thepoorlittleheartlookedsopiteous，whenshesatdowninthechair，IprotestIcouldnothelphavingacompassionforheralmostasmuchasifshehadbeenapoorbody。
Butwhat’stobedone，husband？Ifanshebearebel，Isupposeyouintendtobetrayheruptothecourt。Well，she’sasweet-tempered，good-humouredlady，beshewhatshewill，andIshallhardlyrefrainfromcryingwhenIhearsheishangedorbeheaded。\"\"Pooh！\"answeredthehusband——\"But，astowhat’stobedone，itisnotsoeasyamattertodetermine。Ihope，beforeshegoesaway，weshallhavethenewsofabattle；for，iftheChevaliershouldgetthebetter，shemaygainusinterestatcourt，andmakeourfortuneswithoutbetrayingher。\"\"Why，that’strue，\"repliedthewife；\"andIheartilyhopeshewillhaveitinherpower。Certainlyshe’sasweetgoodlady；itwouldgohorriblyagainstmetohavehercometoanyharm。\"\"Pooh！\"criesthelandlord，\"womenarealwayssotenderhearted。Why，youwouldnotharbourrebels，wouldyou？\"\"No，certainly，\"answeredthewife；\"andasforbetrayingher，comewhatwillon’t，nobodycanblameus。Itiswhatanybodywoulddoinourcase。\"
Whileourpoliticlandlord，whohadnot，wesee，undeservedlythereputationofgreatwisdomamonghisneighbours，wasengagedindebatingthismatterwithhimselfforhepaidlittleattentiontotheopinionofhiswife，newsarrivedthattherebelshadgiventheduketheslip，andhadgotaday’smarchtowardsLondon；andsoonafterarrivedafamousJacobitesquire，who，withgreatjoyinhiscountenance，shookthelandlordbythehand，saying，\"All’sourown，boy，tenthousandhonestFrenchmenarelandedinSuffolk。OldEnglandforever！tenthousandFrench，mybravelad！Iamgoingtotapawaydirectly。\"
Thisnewsdeterminedtheopinionofthewiseman，andheresolvedtomakehiscourttotheyoungladywhenshearose；forhehadnowhesaiddiscoveredthatshewasnootherthanMadamJennyCameronherself。
Chapter3
Averyshortchapter，inwhichhoweverisaSun，aMoon，aStar，andanAngelThesunforhekeepsverygoodhoursatthistimeoftheyear
hadbeensometimeretiredtorest，whenSophiaarosegreatlyrefreshedbyhersleep；which，shortasitwas，nothingbutherextremefatiguecouldhaveoccasioned；for，thoughshehadtoldhermaid，andperhapsherselftoo，thatshewasperfectlyeasywhensheleftUpton，yetitiscertainhermindwasalittleaffectedwiththatmaladywhichisattendedwithalltherestlesssymptomsofafever，andisperhapstheverydistemperwhichphysiciansmeaniftheymeananythingbythefeveronthespirits。
Mrs。Fitzpatricklikewiseleftherbedatthesametime；and，havingsummonedhermaid，immediatelydressedherself。Shewasreallyaveryprettywoman，and，hadshebeeninanyothercompanybutthatSophia，mighthavebeenthoughtbeautiful；butwhenMrs。Honourofherownaccordattendedforhermistresswouldnotsufferhertobewaked，andhadequippedourheroine，thecharmsofMrs。
Fitzpatrick，whohadperformedtheofficeofthemorning-star，andhadprecededgreaterglories，sharedthefateofthatstar，andweretotallyeclipsedthemomentthosegloriesshoneforth。
PerhapsSophianeverlookedmorebeautifulthanshedidatthisinstant。Weoughtnot，therefore，tocondemnthemaidoftheinnforherhyperbole，who，whenshedescended，afterhavinglightedthefire，declared，andratifieditwithanoath，thatifevertherewasanangeluponearth，shewasnowabove-stairs。
SophiahadacquaintedhercousinwithherdesigntogotoLondon；
andMrs。Fitzpatrickhadagreedtoaccompanyher；forthearrivalofherhusbandatUptonhadputanendtoherdesignofgoingtoBath，ortoherauntWestern。Theyhadthereforenosoonerfinishedtheirtea，thanSophiaproposedtosetout，themoonthenshiningextremelybright，andasforthefrostshedefiedit；norhadsheanyofthoseapprehensionswhichmanyyoungladieswouldhavefeltattravellingbynight；forshehad，aswehavebeforeobserved，somelittledegreeofnaturalcourage；andthis，herpresentsensations，whichborderedsomewhatondespair，greatlyencreased。
Besides，asshehadalreadytravelledtwicewithsafetybythelightofthemoon，shewasthebetteremboldenedtotrusttoitathirdtime。
ThedispositionofMrs。Fitzpatrickwasmoretimorous；for，thoughthegreaterterrorshadconqueredtheless，andthepresenceofherhusbandhaddrivenherawayatsounseasonableanhourfromUpton，yet，beingnowarrivedataplacewhereshethoughtherselfsafefromhispursuit，theselesserterrorsofIknownotwhatoperatedsostrongly，thatsheearnestlyentreatedhercousintostaytillthenextmorning，andnotexposeherselftothedangersoftravellingbynight。
Sophia，whowasyieldingtoanexcess，whenshecouldneitherlaughnorreasonhercousinoutoftheseapprehensions，atlastgavewaytothem。Perhaps，indeed，hadsheknownofherfather’sarrivalatUpton，itmighthavebeenmoredifficulttohavepersuadedher；forastoJones，shehad，Iamafraid，nogreathorroratthethoughtsofbeingovertakenbyhim；nay，toconfessthetruth，Ibelievewishedthanfearedit；thoughImighthonestlyenoughhaveconcealedthiswishfromthereader，asitwasoneofthosesecretspontaneousemotionsofthesoultowhichthereasonisoftenastranger。
Whenouryoungladieshaddeterminedtoremainallthateveningintheirinn，theywereattendedbythelandlady，whodesiredtoknowwhattheirladyshipswouldbepleasedtoeat。Suchcharmswerethereinthevoice，inthemanner，andintheaffabledeportmentofSophia，thatsheravishedthelandladytothehighestdegree；andthatgoodwoman，concludingthatshehadattendedJennyCameron，becameinamomentastanchJacobite，andwishedheartilywelltotheyoungPretender’scause，fromthegreatsweetnessandaffabilitywithwhichshehadbeentreatedbyhissupposedmistress。
Thetwocousinsbegannowtoimparttoeachothertheirreciprocalcuriosity；toknowwhatextraordinaryaccidentsonbothsidesoccasionedthissostrangeandunexpectedmeeting。AtlastMrs。
Fitzpatrick，havingobtainedofSophiaapromiseofcommunicatinglikewiseinherturn，begantorelatewhatthereader，ifheisdesiroustoknowherhistory，mayreadintheensuingchapter。
Chapter4
ThehistoryofMrs。FitzpatrickMrs。Fitzpatrick，afterasilenceofafewmoments，fetchingadeepsigh，thusbegan:
\"Itisnaturaltotheunhappytofeelasecretconcerninrecollectingthoseperiodsoftheirliveswhichhavebeenmostdelightfultothem。Theremembranceofpastpleasuresaffectsuswithakindoftendergrief，likewhatwesufferfordepartedfriends；
andtheideasofbothmaybesaidtohauntourimaginations。
\"Forthisreason，Ineverreflectwithoutsorrowonthosedaysthehappiestfarofmylifewhichwespenttogether，whenbothwereunderthecareofmyauntWestern。Alas！whyareMissGraveairsandMissGiddynomore？Youremember，Iamsure，whenwekneweachotherbynoothernames。Indeed，yougavethelatterappellationwithtoomuchcause。IhavesinceexperiencedhowmuchIdeservedit。You，mySophia，wasalwaysmysuperiorineverything，andI
heartilyhopeyouwillbesoinyourfortune。Ishallneverforgetthewiseandmatronlyadviceyouoncegaveme，whenIlamentedbeingdisappointedofaball，thoughyoucouldnotbethenfourteenyearsold-OmySophy，howblestmusthavebeenmysituation，whenIcouldthinksuchadisappointmentamisfortune；andwhenindeeditwasthegreatestIhadeverknown！\"
\"Andyet，mydearHarriet，\"answeredSophia，\"itwasthenaseriousmatterwithyou。Comfortyourselfthereforewiththinking，thatwhateveryounowlamentmayhereafterappearastriflingandcontemptibleasaballwouldatthistime。\"
\"Alas，mySophia，\"repliedtheotherlady，\"youyourselfwillthinkotherwiseofmypresentsituation；forgreatlymustthattenderheartbealtered，ifmymisfortunesdonotdrawmanyasigh，nay，manyatear，fromyou。TheknowledgeofthisshouldperhapsdetermefromrelatingwhatIamconvincedwillsomuchaffectyou。\"HereMrs。Fitzpatrickstopt，till，attherepeatedentreatiesofSophia，shethusproceeded:
\"Thoughyoumusthaveheardmuchofmymarriage；yet，asmattersmayprobablyhavebeenmisrepresented，Iwillsetoutfromtheverycommencementofmyunfortunateacquaintancewithmypresenthusband；
whichwasatBath，soonafteryouleftmyaunt，andreturnedhometoyourfather。
\"AmongthegayyoungfellowswhowereatthisseasonatBath，Mr。
Fitzpatrickwasone。Hewashandsome，degage，extremelygallant，andinhisdressexceededmostothers。Inshort，mydear，ifyouwasunluckilytoseehimnow，Icoulddescribehimnobetterthanbytellingyouhewastheveryreverseofeverythingwhichheis:forhehathrusticatedhimselfsolong，thatheisbecomeanabsolutewildIrishman。Buttoproceedinmystory:thequalificationswhichhethenpossessedsowellrecommendedhim，that，thoughthepeopleofqualityatthattimelivedseparatefromtherestofthecompany，andexcludedthemfromalltheirparties，Mr。Fitzpatrickfoundmeanstogainadmittance。Itwasperhapsnoeasymattertoavoidhim；forherequiredverylittleornoinvitation；andas，beinghandsomeandgenteel，hefounditnoverydifficultmattertoingratiatehimselfwiththeladies，so，hehavingfrequentlydrawnhissword，themendidnotcarepublicklytoaffronthim。Haditnotbeenforsomesuchreason，Ibelievehewouldhavebeensoonexpelledbyhisownsex；forsurelyhehadnostricttitletobepreferredtotheEnglishgentry；nordidtheyseeminclinedtoshowhimanyextraordinaryfavour。Theyallabusedhimbehindhisback，whichmightprobablyproceedfromenvy；forthewomenhewaswellreceived，andveryparticularlydistinguishedbythem。
\"Myaunt，thoughnopersonofqualityherself，asshehadalwayslivedaboutthecourt，wasenrolledinthatparty；for，bywhatevermeansyougetintothepolitecircle，whenyouareoncethere，itissufficientmeritforyouthatyouarethere。Thisobservation，youngasyouwas，youcouldscarceavoidmakingfrommyaunt，whowasfree，orreserved，withallpeople，justastheyhadmoreorlessofthismerit。
\"Andthismerit，Ibelieve，itwas，whichprincipallyrecommendedMr。Fitzpatricktoherfavour。Inwhichhesowellsucceeded，thathewasalwaysoneofherprivateparties。Norwashebackwardinreturningsuchdistinction；forhesoongrewsoveryparticularinhisbehaviourtoher，thatthescandalclubfirstbegantotakenoticeofit，andthebetter-disposedpersonsmadeamatchbetweenthem。
Formyownpart，Iconfess，Imadenodoubtthathisdesignswerestrictlyhonourable，asthephraseis；thatis，torobaladyofherfortunebywayofmarriage。Myauntwas，Iconceived，neitheryoungenoughnorhandsomeenoughtoattractmuchwickedinclination；butshehadmatrimonialcharmsingreatabundance。
\"Iwasthemoreconfirmedinthisopinionfromtheextraordinaryrespectwhichheshowedtomyselffromthefirstmomentofouracquaintance。ThisIunderstoodasanattempttolessen，ifpossible，thatdisinclinationwhichmyinterestmightbesupposedtogivemetowardsthematch；andIknownotbutinsomemeasureithadthateffect；for，asIwaswellcontentedwithmyownfortune，andofallpeopletheleastaslavetointerestedviews，soIcouldnotbeviolentlytheenemyofamanwithwhosebehaviourtomeIwasgreatlypleased；andthemoreso，asIwastheonlyobjectofsuchrespect；forhebehavedatthesametimetomanywomenofqualitywithoutanyrespectatall。
\"Agreeableasthiswastome，hesoonchangeditintoanotherkindofbehaviour，whichwasperhapsmoreso。Henowputonmuchsoftnessandtenderness，andlanguishedandsighedabundantly。Attimes，indeed，whetherfromartornatureIwillnotdetermine，hegavehisusualloosetogaietyandmirth；butthiswasalwaysingeneralcompany，andwithotherwomen；foreveninacountrydance，whenhewasnotmypartner，hebecamegrave，andputonthesoftestlookimaginablethemomentheapproachedme。Indeedhewasinallthingssoveryparticulartowardsme，thatImusthavebeenblindnottohavediscoveredit。And，and，and——\"\"Andyouwasmorepleasedstill，mydearHarriet，\"criesSophia；\"youneednotbeashamed，\"she，sighing；\"forsurethereareirresistiblecharmsintenderness，whichtoomanymenareabletoaffect。\"\"True，\"answeredhercousin；
\"men，whoinallotherinstanceswantcommonsense，areveryMachiavelsintheartofloving。IwishIdidnotknowaninstance。
Well，scandalnowbegantobeasbusywithmeasithadbeforebeenwithmyaunt；andsomegoodladiesdidnotscrupletoaffirmthatMr。Fitzpatrickhadanintriguewithusboth。
\"But，whatmayseemastonishing，myauntneversaw，norintheleastseemedtosuspect，thatwhichwasvisibleenough，Ibelieve，frombothourbehaviours。Onewouldindeedthinkthatlovequiteputsouttheeyesofanoldwoman。Infact，theysogreedilyswallowtheaddresseswhicharemadetothem，that，likeanoutrageousglutton，theyarenotatleisuretoobservewhatpassesamongstothersatthesametable。ThisIhaveobservedinmorecasesthanmyown；andthiswassostronglyverifiedbymyaunt，that，thoughsheoftenfoundustogetheratherreturnfromthepump，theleastchantingwordofhis，pretendingimpatienceatherabsence，effectuallysmotheredallsuspicion。Oneartificesucceededwithhertoadmiration。Thiswashistreatingmelikealittlechild，andnevercallingmebyanyothernameinherpresencebutthatofprettymiss。Thisindeeddidhimsomedisservicewithyourhumbleservant；butIsoonsawthroughit，especiallyasinherabsencehebehavedtome，asIhavesaid，inadifferentmanner。However，ifIwasnotgreatlydisobligedbyaconductofwhichIhaddiscoveredthedesign，Ismartedveryseverelyforit；formyauntreallyconceivedmetobewhatherloverasshethoughthimcalledme，andtreatedmeinallrespectsasaperfectinfant。Tosaythetruth，Iwondershehadnotinsistedonmyagainwearingleading-strings。
\"Atlast，myloverforsohewasthoughtproper，inamostsolemnmanner，todiscloseasecretwhichIhadknownlongbefore。
Henowplacedallthelovewhichhehadpretendedtomyaunttomyaccount。Helamented，inverypatheticterms，theencouragementshehadgivenhim，andmadeahighmeritofthetedioushoursinwhichhehadundergoneherconversation-WhatshallItellyou，mydearSophia？-ThenIwillconfessthetruth。Iwaspleasedwithmyman。I
waspleasedwithmyconquest。Torivalmyauntdelightedme；torivalsomanyotherwomencharmedme。Inshort，IamafraidIdidnotbehaveasIshoulddo，evenupontheveryfirstdeclaration-I
wishIdidnotalmostgivehimpositiveencouragementbeforeweparted。
\"TheBathnowtalkedloudly-Imightalmostsay，roaredagainstme。
Severalyoungwomenaffectedtoshunmyacquaintance，notsomuch，perhaps，fromanyrealsuspicion，asfromadesireofbanishingmefromacompanyinwhichItoomuchengrossedtheirfavouriteman。
AndhereIcannotomitexpressingmygratitudetothekindnessintendedmebyMr。Nash，whotookmeonedayaside，andgavemeadvice，whichifIhadfollowed，Ihadbeenahappywoman。’Child，’
sayshe，’Iamsorrytoseethefamiliaritywhichsubsistsbetweenyouandafellowwhoisaltogetherunworthyofyou，andIamafraidwillproveyourruin。Asforyouroldstinkingaunt，ifitwastobenoinjurytoyouandmyprettySophyWesternIassureyouIrepeathiswords，Ishouldbeheartilygladthatthefellowwasinpossessionofallthatbelongstoher。Ineveradviseoldwomen:for，iftheytakeitintotheirheadtogotothedevil，itisnomorepossiblethanworthwhiletokeepthemfromhim。Innocenceandyouthandbeautyareworthyabetterfate，andIwouldsavethemfromhisclutches。Letmeadviseyoutherefore，dearchild，neversufferthisfellowtobeparticularwithyouagain。’Manymorethingshesaidtome，whichI
havenowforgotten，andindeedIattendedverylittletothematthattime；forinclinationcontradictedallhesaid；and，besides，I
couldnotbepersuadedthatwomenofqualitywouldcondescendtofamiliaritywithsuchapersonashedescribed。
\"ButIamafraid，mydear，Ishalltireyouwithadetailofsomanyminutecircumstances。Tobeconcise，therefore，imaginememarried；
imaginemewithmyhusband，atthefeetofmyaunt；andthenimaginethemaddestwomaninBedlam，inaravingfit，andyourimaginationwillsuggesttoyounomorethanwhatreallyhappened。
\"Theverynextdaymyauntlefttheplace，partlytoavoidseeingMr。Fitzpatrickormyself，andasmuchperhapstoavoidseeinganyoneelse；for，thoughIamtoldshehathsincedeniedeverythingstoutly，Ibelieveshewasthenalittleconfoundedatherdisappointment。Sincethattime，Ihavewrittentohermanyletters，butnevercouldobtainananswer，whichImustownsitssomewhattheheavier，assheherselfwas，thoughundesignedly，theoccasionofallmysufferings:for，haditnotbeenunderthecolourofpayinghisaddressestoher，Mr。Fitzpatrickwouldneverhavefoundsufficientopportunitiestohaveengagedmyheart，which，inothercircumstances，Istillflattermyselfwouldnothavebeenaneasyconquesttosuchaperson。Indeed，IbelieveIshouldnothaveerredsogrosslyinmychoiceifIhadreliedonmyownjudgment；butItrustedtotallytotheopinionofothers，andveryfoolishlytookthemeritofamanforgranted，whomIsawsouniversallywellreceivedbythewomen。
Whatisthereason，Mydear，thatwe，whohaveunderstandingsequaltothewisestandgreatestoftheothersex，sooftenmakechoiceofthesilliestfellowsforcompanionsandfavourites？Itraisesmyindignationtothehighestpitch，toreflectonthenumbersofwomenofsensewhohavebeenundonebyfools。\"Hereshepausedamoment；
but，Sophiamakingnoanswer，sheproceededasinthenextchapter。
Chapter5
InwhichthehistoryofMrs。Fitzpatrickiscontinued\"WeremainedatBathnolongerthanafortnightafterourwedding；
forastoanyreconciliationwithmyaunt，therewerenohopes；andofmyfortune，notonefarthingcouldbetouchedtillIwasofage，ofwhichInowwantedmorethantwoyears。Myhusband，therefore，wasresolvedtosetoutforIreland；againstwhichIremonstratedveryearnestly，andinsistedonapromisewhichhehadmademebeforeourmarriage，thatIshouldnevertakethisjourneyagainstmyconsent；
andindeedIneverintendedtoconsenttoit；norwillanybody，I
believe，blamemeforthatresolution；butthis，however，Inevermentionedtomyhusband，andpetitionedonlyforthereprieveofamonth；buthehadfixedtheday，andtothatdayheobstinatelyadhered。
\"Theeveningbeforeourdeparture，asweweredisputingthispointwithgreateagernessonbothsides，hestartedsuddenlyfromhischair，andleftmeabruptly，sayinghewasgoingtotherooms。Hewashardlyoutofthehouse，whenIsawapaperlyingonthefloor，which，Isuppose，hehadcarelesslypulledfromhispocket，togetherwithhishandkerchief。ThispaperItookup，and，findingittobealetter，Imadenoscrupletoopenandreadit；andindeedIreaditsooften，thatIcanrepeatittoyoualmostwordforword。Thisthenwastheletter:
ToMr。BrianFitzpatrickSIR，-Yoursreceived，andamsurprizedyoushouldusemeinthismanner，ashaveneverseenanyofyourcash，unlessforonelinsey-woolseycoat，andyourbillnowisupwardsofL150。Consider，sir，howoftenyouhavefobbedmeoffwithyourbeingshortlytobemarriedtothisladyandt’otherlady；butIcanneitherliveonhopesorpromises，norwillmywoollen-drapertakeanysuchinpayment。Youtellmeyouaresecureofhavingeithertheauntortheniece，andthatyoumighthavemarriedtheauntbeforethis，whosejointureyousayisimmense，butthatyoupreferthenieceonaccountofherreadymoney。Pray，sir，takeafool’sadviceforonce，andmarrythefirstyoucanget。Youwillpardonmyofferingmyadvice，asyouknowIsincerelywishyouwell。Shalldrawonyoupernextpost，infavourofMessieursJohnDruggetandcompany，atfourteendays，whichdoubtnotyourhonouring，andam，Sir，yourhumbleservant，SAMCOSGRAVE。
\"Thiswastheletter，wordforword。Guess，mydeargirl-guesshowthisletteraffectedme。Youpreferthenieceonaccountofherreadymoney！Ifeveryoneofthesewordshadbeenadagger，Icouldwithpleasurehavestabbedthemintohisheart；butIwillnotrecountmyfranticbehaviourontheoccasion。Ihadprettywellspentmytearsbeforehisreturnhome；butsufficientremainsofthemappearedinmyswolleneyes。Hethrewhimselfsullenlyintohischair，andforalongtimewewerebothsilent。Atlength，inahaughtytone，hesaid，’Ihope，madam，yourservantshavepackedupallyourthings；
forthecoachwillbereadybysixinthemorning。’Mypatiencewastotallysubduedbythisprovocation，andIanswered，’No，sir，thereisaletterstillremainsunpacked；’andthenthrowingitonthetable，IfelltoupbraidinghimwiththemostbitterlanguageI
couldinvent。
\"Whetherguilt，orshame，orprudence，restrainedhim，Icannotsay；
but，thoughheisthemostpassionateofmen，heexertednorageonthisoccasion。Heendeavoured，onthecontrary，topacifymebythemostgentlemeans。HesworethephraseinthelettertowhichI
principallyobjectedwasnothis，norhadheeverwrittenanysuch。Heowned，indeed，thehavingmentionedhismarriage，andthatpreferencewhichhehadgiventomyself，butdeniedwithmanyoathsthehavingassignedanysuchreason。Andheexcusedthehavingmentionedanysuchmatteratall，onaccountofthestraitshewasinformoney，arising，hesaid，fromhishavingtoolongneglectedhisestateinIreland。Andthis，hesaid，whichhecouldnotbeartodiscovertome，wastheonlyreasonofhishavingsostrenuouslyinsistedonourjourney。Hethenusedseveralveryendearingexpressions，andconcludedbyaveryfondcaress，andmanyviolentprotestationsoflove。
\"Therewasonecircumstancewhich，thoughhedidnotappealtoit，hadmuchweightwithmeinhisfavour，andthatwasthewordjointureinthetaylor’sletter，whereasmyauntneverhadbeenmarried，andthisMr。Fitzpatrickwellknew——AsIimagined，therefore，thatthefellowmusthaveinsertedthisofhisownhead，orfromhearsay，Ipersuadedmyselfhemighthaveventuredlikewiseonthatodiuslineonnobetterauthority。Whatreasoningwasthis，mydear？wasInotanadvocateratherthanajudge？-ButwhydoImentionsuchacircumstanceasthis，orappealtoitforthejustificationofmyforgiveness？-Inshort，hadhebeenguiltyoftwentytimesasmuch，halfthetendernessandfondnesswhichheusedwouldhaveprevailedonmetohaveforgivenhim。Inowmadenofartherobjectionstooursettingout，whichwedidthenextmorning，andinalittlemorethanaweekarrivedattheseatofMr。Fitzpatrick。
\"Yourcuriositywillexcusemefromrelatinganyoccurrenceswhichpastduringourjourney；foritwouldindeedbehighlydisagreeabletotravelitoveragain，andnolesssotoyoutotravelitoverwithme。
\"Thisseat，then，isanancientmansion-house:ifIwasinoneofthosemerryhumoursinwhichyouhavesooftenseenme，Icoulddescribeittoyouridiculouslyenough。Itlookedasifithadbeenformerlyinhabitedbyagentleman。Herewasroomenough，andnotthelessroomonaccountofthefurniture；forindeedtherewasverylittleinit。Anoldwoman，whoseemedcoevalwiththebuilding，andgreatlyresembledherwhomChamontmentionsintheOrphan，receivedusatthegate，andinahowlscarcehuman，andtomeunintelligible，welcomedhermasterhome。Inshort，thewholescenewassogloomyandmelancholy，thatitthrewmyspiritsintothelowestdejection；
whichmyhusbanddiscerning，insteadofrelieving，encreasedbytwoorthreemaliciousobservations。’Therearegoodhouses，madam，’sayshe，’asyoufind，inotherplacesbesidesEngland；butperhapsyouhadratherbeinadirtylodgingsatBath。’
\"Happy，mydear，isthewomanwho，inanystateoflife，hathacheerfulgood-naturedcompaniontosupportandcomforther！ButwhydoIreflectonhappysituationsonlytoaggravatemyownmisery？mycompanion，farfromclearingupthegloomofsolitude，soonconvincedmethatImusthavebeenwretchedwithhiminanyplace，andinanycondition。Inaword，hewasasurlyfellow，acharacterperhapsyouhaveneverseen；for，indeed，nowomaneverseesitexemplifiedbutinafather，abrother，orahusband；and，thoughyouhaveafather，heisnotofthatcharacter。Thissurlyfellowhadformerlyappearedtometheveryreverse，andsohedidstilltoeveryotherperson。Goodheaven！howisitpossibleforamantomaintainaconstantlieinhisappearanceabroadandincompany，andtocontenthimselfwithshewingdisagreeabletruthonlyathome？Here，mydear，theymakethemselvesamendsfortheuneasyrestraintwhichtheyputontheirtempersintheworld；forIhaveobserved，themoremerryandgayandgood-humouredmyhusbandhathatanytimebeenincompany，themoresullenandmorosehewassuretobecomeatournextprivatemeeting。HowshallIdescribehisbarbarity？Tomyfondnesshewascoldandinsensible。Mylittlecomicalways，whichyou，mySophy，andwhichothers，havecalledsoagreeable，hetreatedwithcontempt。Inmymostseriousmomentshesungandwhistled；andwheneverIwasthoroughlydejectedandmiserable，hewasangry，andabusedme；for，thoughhewasneverpleasedwithmygood-humour，norascribedittomysatisfactioninhim，yetmylowspiritsalwaysoffendedhim，andthoseheimputedtomyrepentanceofhavingashesaidmarriedanIrishman。
\"Youwilleasilyconceive，mydearGraveairsIaskyourpardon，I
reallyforgotmyself，that，whenawomanmakesanimprudentmatchinthesenseoftheworld，thatis，whenshenotanarrantprostitutetopecuniaryinterest，shemustnecessarilyhavesomeinclinationandaffectionforherman。Youwillaseasilybelievethatthisaffectionmaypossiblybelessened；nay，Idoassureyou，contemptwillwhollyeradicateit。ThiscontemptInowbegantoentertainformyhusband，whomInowdiscoveredtobe-Imustusetheexpression-anarrantblockhead。PerhapsyouwillwonderIdidnotmakethisdiscoverylongbefore；butwomenwillsuggestathousandexcusestothemselvesforthefollyofthosetheylike:besides，givemeleavetotellyou，itrequiresamostpenetratingeyetodiscernafoolthroughthedisguisesofgaietyandgoodbreeding。
\"Itwillbeeasilyimaginedthat，whenIoncedespisedmyhusband，asIconfesstoyouIsoondid，Imustconsequentlydislikehiscompany；andindeedIhadthehappinessofbeingverylittletroubledwithit；forourhousewasnowmostelegantlyfurnished，ourcellarswellstocked，anddogsandhorsesprovidedingreatabundance。Asmygentlemanthereforeentertainedhisneighbourswithgreathospitality，sohisneighboursresortedtohimwithgreatalacrity；andsportsanddrinkingconsumedsomuchofhistime，thatasmallpartofhisconversation，thatistosay，ofhisill-humours，felltomyshare。
\"HappywouldithavebeenformeifIcouldaseasilyhaveavoidedallotherdisagreeablecompany；but，alas！Iwasconfinedtosomewhichconstantlytormentedme；andthemore，asIsawnoprospectofbeingrelievedfromthem。Thesecompanionsweremyownrackingthoughts，whichplaguedandinamannerhauntedmenightandday。InthissituationIpastthroughascene，thehorrorsofwhichcanneitherbepaintednorimagined。Think，mydear，figure，ifyoucan，toyourself，whatImusthaveundergone。IbecameamotherbythemanIscorned，hated，anddetested。Iwentthroughalltheagoniesandmiseriesofalying-intentimesmorepainfulinsuchacircumstancethantheworstlabourcanbewhenoneenduresitforamanonelovesinadesert，orrather，indeed，asceneofriotandrevel，withoutafriend，withoutacompanion，orwithoutanyofthoseagreeablecircumstanceswhichoftenalleviate，andperhapssometimesmorethancompensate，thesufferingsofoursexatthatseason。\"
Chapter6
InwhichthemistakeofthelandlordthrowsSophiaintoadreadfulconsternationMrs。Fitzpatrickwasproceedinginhernarrative，whenshewasinterruptedbytheentranceofdinner，greatlytotheconcernofSophia；forthemisfortunesofherfriendhadraisedheranxiety，andlefthernoappetitebutwhatMrs。Fitzpatrickwastosatisfybyherrelation。
Thelandlordnowattendedwithaplateunderhisarm，andwiththesamerespectinhiscountenanceandaddresswhichhewouldhaveputonhadtheladiesarrivedinacoachandsix。
Themarriedladyseemedlessaffectedwithownmisfortunesthanwashercousin；fortheformereatveryheartily，whereasthelattercouldhardlyswallowamorsel。Sophialikewiseshowedmoreconcernandsorrowinhercountenancethanappearedintheotherlady；who，havingobservedthesesymptomsinherfriend，beggedhertobecomforted，saying，\"PerhapsallmayyetendbetterthaneitheryouorIexpect。\"
Ourlandlordthoughthehadnowanopportunitytoopenhismouth，andwasresolvednottoomitit。\"Iamsorry，madam，\"crieshe，\"thatyourladyshipcan’teat；fortobesureyoumustbehungryaftersolongfasting。Ihopeyourladyshipisnotuneasyatanything，for，asmadamtheresays，allmayendbetterthananybodyexpects。A
gentlemanwhowasherejustnowbroughtexcellentnews；andperhapssomefolkswhohavegivenotherfolkstheslipmaygettoLondonbeforetheyareovertaken；andiftheydo，Imakenodoubtbuttheywillfindpeoplewhowillbeveryreadytoreceivethem。\"
Allpersonsundertheapprehensionofdangerconvertwhatevertheyseeandhearintotheobjectsofthatapprehension。Sophiathereforeimmediatelyconcluded，fromtheforegoingspeech，thatshewasknown，andpursuedbyherfather。Shewasnowstruckwiththeutmostconsternation，andforafewminutesdeprivedofthepowerofspeech；whichshenosoonerrecovered，thanshedesiredthelandlordtosendhisservantsoutoftheroom，andthen，addressingherselftohim，said，\"Iperceive，sir，youknowwhoweare；butIbeseechyou-nay，Iamconvinced，ifyouhaveanycompassionorgoodness，youwillnotbetrayus。\"
\"Ibetrayyourladyship！\"quoththelandlord；\"noandthenhesworeseveralveryheartyoaths；Iwouldsoonerbecutintotenthousandpieces。Ihatealltreachery。I！Ineverbetrayedanyoneinmylifeyet，andIamsureIshallnotbeginwithsosweetaladyasyourladyship。AlltheworldwouldverymuchblamemeifIshould，sinceitwillbeinyourladyship’spowersoshortlytorewardme。Mywifecanwitnessforme，Iknewyourladyshipthemomentyoucameintothehouse:Isaiditwasyourhonour，beforeIliftedyoufromyourhorse，andIshallcarrythebruisesIgotinyourladyship’sservicetothegrave；butwhatsignifiedthat，aslongasIsavedyourladyship？Tobesuresomepeoplethismorningwouldhavethoughtofgettingareward；butnosuchthoughteverenteredintomyhead。I
wouldsoonerstarvethantakeanyrewardforbetrayingyourladyship。\"
\"Ipromiseyou，sir，\"saysSophia，\"ifitbeeverinmypowertorewardyou，youshallnotlosebyyourgenerosity。\"
\"Alack-a-day，madam！\"answeredthelandlord；\"inyourladyship’spower！Heavenputitasmuchintoyourwill！Iamonlyafraidyourhonourwillforgetsuchapoormanasaninnkeeper；but，ifyourladyshipshouldnot，IhopeyouwillrememberwhatrewardI
refused-refused！thatis，Iwouldhaverefused，andtobesureitmaybecalledrefusing，forImighthavehaditcertainly；andtobesureyoumighthavebeeninsomehouses；-but，formypart，Iwouldnot，methinks，fortheworldhaveyourladyshipwrongmesomuchastoimagineIeverthoughtofbetrayingyou，evenbeforeIheardthegoodnews。\"
\"Whatnews，pray？\"saysSophia，somethingeagerly。
\"Hathnotyourladyshipheardit，then？\"criesthelandlord；\"nay，likeenough，forIhearditonlyafewminutesago；andifIhadneverheardit，maythedevilflyawaywithmethisinstantifIwouldhavebetrayedyourhonour！no，ifIwould，mayI-\"Herehesubjoinedseveraldreadfulimprecations，whichSophiaatlastinterrupted，andbeggedtoknowwhathemeantbythenews-Hewasgoingtoanswer，whenMrs。Honourcamerunningintotheroom，allpaleandbreathless，andcriedout，\"Madam，weareallundone，allruined，theyarecome，theyarecome！\"ThesewordsalmostfrozeupthebloodofSophia；butMrs。FitzpatrickaskedHonourwhowerecome？\"Who？\"answeredshe，\"why，theFrench；severalhundredthousandsofthemarelanded，andweshallbeallmurderedandravished。\"
Asamiser，whohath，insomewell-builtcity，acottage，valuetwentyshillings，whenatadistanceheisalarmedwiththenewsofafire，turnspaleandtremblesathisloss；butwhenhefindsthebeautifulpalacesonlyareburnt，andhisowncottageremainssafe，hecomesinstantlytohimself，andsmilesathisgoodfortunes:orasforwedislikesomethingintheformersimilethetendermother，whenterrifiedwiththeapprehensionthatherdarlingboyisdrowned，isstrucksenselessandalmostdeadwithconsternation；butwhensheistoldthatlittlemasterissafe，andtheVictoryonly，withtwelvehundredbravemen，gonetothebottom，lifeandsenseagainreturn，maternalfondnessenjoysthesuddenrelieffromallitsfears，andthegeneralbenevolencewhichatanothertimewouldhavedeeplyfeltthedreadfulcatastrophe，liesfastasleepinhermind；soSophia，thanwhomnonewasmorecapableoftenderlyfeelingthegeneralcalamityofhercountry，foundsuchimmediatesatisfactionfromthereliefofthoseterrorsshehadofbeingovertakenbyherfather，thatthearrivaloftheFrenchscarcemadeanyimpressiononher。Shegentlychidhermaidforthefrightintowhichshehadthrownher，andsaid\"shewasgladitwasnoworse；forthatshehadfearedsomebodyelsewascome。\"
\"Ay，ay，\"quoththelandlord，smiling，\"herladyshipknowsbetterthings；sheknowstheFrenchareourverybestfriends，andcomeoverhitheronlyforourgood。TheyarethepeoplewhoaretomakeOldEnglandflourishagain。Iwarrantherhonourthoughtthedukewascoming；andthatwasenoughtoputherintoafright。Iwasgoingtotellyourladyshipthenews-Hishonour’smajesty，Heavenblesshim，hathgiventheduketheslip，andismarchingasfastashecantoLondon，andtenthousandFrencharelandedtojoinhimontheroad。\"
Sophiawasnotgreatlypleasedwiththisnews，norwiththegentlemanwhorelatedit；but，asshestillimaginedheknewherforshecouldnotpossiblyhaveanysuspicionoftherealtruth，shedurstnotshowanydislike。Andnowthelandlord，havingremovedtheclothfromthetable，withdrew；butathisdeparturefrequentlyrepeatedhishopesofbeingrememberedhereafter。
ThemindofSophiawasnotatalleasyunderthesuppositionofbeingknownatthishouse；forshestillappliedtoherselfmanythingswhichthelandlordhadaddressedtoJennyCameron；shethereforeorderedhermaidtopumpoutofhimbywhatmeanshehadbecomeacquaintedwithherperson，andwhohadofferedhimtherewardforbetrayingher；shelikewiseorderedthehorsestobeinreadinessbyfourinthemorning，atwhichhourMrs。Fitzpatrickpromisedtobearhercompany；andthen，composingherselfaswellasshecould，shedesiredthatladytocontinueherstory。
Chapter7
InwhichMrs。FitzpatrickconcludesherhistoryWhileMrs。Honour，inpursuanceofcommandsofhermistress，orderedabowlofpunch，andinvitedmylandlordandlandladytopartakeofit，Mrs。Fitzpatrickthuswentonwithherrelation。
\"Mostoftheofficerswhowerequarteredatatowninourneighbourhoodwereofmyhusband’sacquaintance。Amongthesetherewasalieutenant，averyprettysortofman，andwhowasmarriedtoawoman，soagreeablebothinhertemperandconversation，thatfromourfirstknowingeachother，whichwassoonaftermylying-in，wewerealmostinseparablecompanions；forIhadthegoodfortunetomakemyselfequallyagreeabletoher。
\"Thelieutenant，whowasneitherasotnorasportsman，wasfrequentlyofourparties；indeedhewasverylittlewithmyhusband，andnomorethangoodbreedingconstrainedhimtobe，ashelivedalmostconstantlyatourhouse。Myhusbandoftenexpressedmuchdissatisfactionatthelieutenant’spreferringmycompanytohis；
hewasveryangrywithmeonthataccount，andgavememanyaheartycursefordrawingawayhiscompanions；saying，’Ioughttobed——n’dforhavingspoiledoneoftheprettiestfellowsintheworld，bymakingamilksopofhim。’
\"Youwillbemistaken，mydearSophia，ifyouimaginethattheangerofmyhusbandarosefrommydeprivinghimofacompanion；forthelieutenantwasnotapersonwithwhosesocietyafoolcouldbepleased；and，ifIshouldadmitthepossibilityofthis，solittlerighthadmyhusbandtoplacethelossofhiscompaniontome，thatIamconvinceditwasmyconversationalonewhichinducedhimevertocometothehouse。No，child，itwasenvy，theworstandmostrancorouskindofenvy，theenvyofsuperiorityofunderstanding。
Thewretchcouldnotbeartoseemyconversationpreferredtohis，byamanofwhomhecouldnotentertaintheleastjealousy。OmydearSophy，youareawomanofsense；ifyoumarryaman，asismostprobableyouwill，oflesscapacitythanyourself，makefrequenttrialsofhistemperbeforemarriage，andseewhetherhecanbeartosubmittosuchasuperiority-Promiseme，Sophy，youwilltakethisadvice；foryouwillhereafterfinditsimportance。\"\"ItisverylikelyIshallnevermarryatall，\"answeredSophia；\"Ithink，atleast，IshallnevermarryamaninwhoseunderstandingIseeanydefectsbeforemarriage；andIpromiseyouIwouldrathergiveupmyownthanseeanysuchafterwards。\"\"Giveupyourunderstanding！\"
repliedMrs。Fitzpatrick；\"oh，fie，child！Iwillnotbelievesomeanlyofyou。EverythingelseImightmyselfbebroughttogiveup；
butneverthis。Naturewouldnothaveallottedthissuperioritytothewifeinsomanyinstances，ifshehadintendedweshouldallofushavesurrenderedittothehusband。This，indeed，menofsenseneverexpectofus；ofwhichthelieutenantIhavejustmentionedwasonenotableexample；forthoughhehadaverygoodunderstanding，healwaysacknowledgedaswasreallytruethathiswifehadabetter。
Andthis，perhaps，wasonereasonofthehatredmytyrantboreher。
\"Beforehewouldbesogovernedbyawife，hesaid，especiallysuchanuglyb——for，indeed，shewasnotaregularbeauty，butveryagreeableandextremelygenteel，hewouldseeallthewomenuponearthatthedevil，whichwasaveryusualphrasewithhim。Hesaid，hewonderedwhatIcouldseeinhertobesocharmedwithhercompany:
sincethiswoman，sayshe，hathcomeamongus，thereisanendofyourbelovedreading，whichyoupretendedtolikesomuch，thatyoucouldnotaffordtimetoreturnthevisitsoftheladiesinthiscountry；
andImustconfessIhadbeenguiltyofalittlerudenessthisway；
fortheladiesthereareatleastnobetterthanthemerecountryladieshere；andIthinkIneedmakenootherexcusetoyoufordeclininganyintimacywiththem。
\"Thiscorrespondence，however，continuedawholeyear，evenallthewhilethelieutenantwasquarteredinthattown；forwhichIwascontentedtopaythetaxofbeingconstantlyabusedinthemannerabovementionedbymyhusband；Imeanwhenhewasathome；forhewasfrequentlyabsentamonthatatimeatDublin，andoncemadeajourneyoftwomonthstoLondon:inallwhichjourneysIthoughtitaverysingularhappinessthatheneveroncedesiredmycompany；
nay，byhisfrequentcensuresonmenwhocouldnottravel，ashephrasedit，withoutawifetieduptotheirtail，hesufficientlyintimatedthat，hadIbeenneversodesirousofaccompanyinghim，mywisheswouldhavebeeninvain；but，Heavenknows，suchwisheswereveryfarfrommythoughts。
\"Atlengthmyfriendwasremovedfromme，andIwasagainlefttomysolitude，tothetormentingconversationwithmyownreflections，andtoapplytobooksformyonlycomfort。Inowreadalmostalldaylong-HowmanybooksyouthinkIreadinthreemonths？\"\"Ican’tguess，indeed，cousin，\"answeredSophia。\"Perhapshalfascore。\"\"Halfascore！halfathousand，child！\"answeredtheother。\"IreadagooddealinDaniel’sEnglishHistoryofFrance；agreatdealinPlutarch’sLives，theAtalantis，Pope’sHomer，Dryden’sPlays，Chillingworth，theCountessD’Aulnois，andLocke’sHumanUnderstanding。
\"DuringthisintervalIwrotethreeverysupplicating，and，I
thought，movingletterstomyaunt；but，asIreceivednoanswertoanyofthem，mydisdainwouldnotsuffermetocontinuemyapplication。\"Hereshestopt，and，lookingearnestlyatSophia，said，\"Methinks，mydear，Ireadsomethinginyoureyeswhichreproachesmeofaneglectinanotherplace，whereIshouldhavemetwithakinderreturn。\"\"Indeed，dearHarriet，\"answeredSophia，\"yourstoryisanapologyforanyneglect；but，indeed，IfeelthatIhavebeenguiltyofaremissness，withoutsogoodanexcuse-Yetprayproceed；forIlong，thoughItremble，toheartheend。\"
Thus，then，Mrs。Fitzpatrickresumedhernarrative:-\"MyhusbandnowtookasecondjourneytoEngland，wherehecontinuedupwardsofthreemonths；duringthegreaterpartofthistimeIledalifewhichnothingbuthavingledaworsecouldmakemethinktolerable；
forperfectsolitudecanneverbereconciledtoasocialmind，likemine，butwhenitrelievesyoufromthecompanyofthoseyouhate。
Whataddedtomywretchednesswasthelossofmylittleinfant:notthatIpretendtohavehadforitthatextravaganttendernessofwhichIbelieveImighthavebeencapableunderothercircumstances；butI
resolved，ineveryinstance，todischargethedutyofthetenderestmother；andthiscarepreventedmefromfeelingtheweightofthatheaviestofallthings，whenitcanbeatallsaidtolieheavyonourhands。
\"Ihadspentfulltenweeksalmostentirelybymyself，havingseennobodyallthattime，exceptmyservantsandaveryfewvisitors，whenayounglady，arelationtomyhusband，camefromadistantpartofIrelandtovisitme。Shehadstaidoncebeforeaweekatmyhouse，andthenIgaveherapressinginvitationtoreturn；forshewasaveryagreeablewoman，andhadimprovedgoodnaturalpartsbyapropereducation。indeed，shewastomeawelcomeguest。
\"Afewdaysafterherarrival，perceivingmeinverylowspirits，withoutenquiringthecause，which，indeed，sheverywellknew，theyoungladyfelltocompassionatingmycase。Shesaid，’Thoughpolitenesshadpreventedmefromcomplainingtomyhusband’srelationsofhisbehaviour，yettheyallwereverysensibleofit，andfeltgreatconcernuponthataccount；butnonemorethanherself。’Andaftersomemoregeneraldiscourseonthishead，whichIownIcouldnotforbearcountenancing，atlast，aftermuchpreviousprecautionandenjoinedconcealment，shecommunicatedtome，asaprofoundsecret-thatmyhusbandkeptamistress。
\"YouwillcertainlyimagineIheardthisnewswiththeutmostinsensibility-Uponmyword，ifyoudo，yourimaginationwillmisleadyou。Contempthadnotsokeptdownmyangertomyhusband，butthathatredroseagainonthisoccasion。Whatcanbethereasonofthis？
Arewesoabominablyselfish，thatwecanbeconcernedatothershavingpossessionevenofwhatwedespise？orarewenotratherabominablyvain，andisnotthisthegreatestinjurydonetoourvanity？Whatthinkyou，Sophia？\"
\"Idon’tknow，indeed，\"answeredSophia；\"Ihavenevertroubledmyselfwithanyofthesedeepcontemplations；butIthinktheladydidveryillincommunicatingtoyousuchasecret。\"
\"Andyet，mydear，thisconductisnatural，\"repliedMrs。
Fitzpatrick；\"and，whenyouhaveseenandreadasmuchasmyself，youwillacknowledgeittobeso。\"
\"Iamsorrytohearitisnatural，\"returnedSophia；\"forIwantneitherreadingnorexperiencetoconvincemethatitisverydishonourableandveryill-natured:nay，itissurelyasill-bredtotellahusbandorwifeofthefaultsofeachotherastotellthemoftheirown。\"
\"Well，\"continuedMrs。Fitzpatrick，\"myhusbandatlastreturned；
and，ifIamthoroughlyacquaintedwithmyownthoughts，Ihatedhimnowmorethanever；butIdespisedhimratherless:forcertainlynothingsomuchweakensourcontempt，asaninjurydonetoourprideorourvanity。
\"Henowassumedacarriagetomesoverydifferentfromwhathehadlatelyworn，andsonearlyresemblinghisbehaviourthefirstweekofourmarriage，that，hadInowhadanysparkofloveremaining，hemight，possibly，haverekindledmyfondnessforhim。But，thoughhatredmaysucceedtocontempt，andmayperhapsgetthebetterofit，love，Ibelieve，cannot。Thetruthis，thepassionofloveistoorestlesstoremaincontented，withoutthegratificationwhichitreceivesfromitsobject；andonecannomorebeinclinedtolovewithoutloving，thanwecanhaveeyeswithoutseeing。Whenahusband，therefore，ceasestobetheobjectofthispassion，itismostprobablesomeotherman-Isay，mydear，ifyourhusbandgrowsindifferenttoyou-ifyouoncecometodespisehim-Isay-thatis-
ifyouhavethepassionofloveinyou-Lud！Ihavebewilderedmyselfso-butoneisapt，intheseabstractedconsiderations，tolosetheconcatenationofideas，asMr。Lockesays:-inshort，thetruthis-inshort，Iscarceknowwhatitis；but，asIwassaying，myhusbandreturned，andhisbehaviour，atfirst，greatlysurprizedme；buthesoonacquaintedmewiththemotive，andtaughtmetoaccountforit。
Inaword，then，hehadspentandlostallthereadymoneyofmyfortune；and，ashecouldmortgagehisownestatenodeeper，hewasnowdesiroustosupplyhimselfwithcashforhisextravagance，bysellingalittleestateofmine，whichhecouldnotdowithoutmyassistance；andtoobtainthisfavour，wasthewholeandsolemotiveofallthefondnesswhichhenowputon。
\"WiththisIperemptorilyrefusedtocomply。Itoldhim，andI
toldhimtruly，that，hadIbeenpossessedoftheIndiesatourfirstmarriage，hemighthavecommandeditall；forithadbeenaconstantmaximwithme，thatwhereawomandisposesofherheart，sheshouldalwaysdepositherfortune；but，ashehadbeensokind，longago，torestoretheformerintomypossession，Iwasresolvedlikewisetoretainwhatlittleremainedofthelatter。
\"Iwillnotdescribetoyouthepassionintowhichthesewords，andtheresoluteairinwhichtheywerespoken，threwhim:norwillItroubleyouwiththewholescenewhichsucceededbetweenus。Outcame，youmaybewellassured，thestoryofthemistress；andoutitdidcome，withalltheembellishmentswhichangeranddisdaincouldbestowuponit。
\"Mr。Fitzpatrickseemedalittlethunderstruckwiththis，andmoreconfusedthanIhadseenhim，thoughhisideasarealwaysconfusedenough，heavenknows。Hedidnot，however，endeavourtoexculpatehimself；buttookamethodwhichalmostequallyconfoundedme。Whatwasthisbutrecrimination？Heaffectedtobejealous:——hemay，foraughtIknow，beinclinedenoughtojealousyinhisnaturaltemper:
nay，hemusthavehaditfromnature，orthedevilmusthaveputitintohishead；forIdefyalltheworldtocastajustaspersiononmycharacter:nay，themostscandaloustongueshaveneverdaredcensuremyreputation。Myfame，Ithankheaven，hathbeenalwaysasspotlessasmylife；andletfalsehooditselfaccusethat，ifitdare。No，mydearGraveairs，howeverprovoked，howeverill-treated，howeverinjuredinmylove，Ihavefirmlyresolvednevertogivetheleastroomforcensureonthisaccount-Andyet，mydear，therearesomepeoplesomalicious，sometonguessovenomous，thatnoinnocencecanescapethem。Themostundesignedword，themostaccidentallook，theleastfamiliarity，themostinnocentfreedom，willbemisconstrued，andmagnifiedintoIknownotwhat，bysomepeople。ButIdespise，mydearGraveairs，Idespiseallsuchslander。Nosuchmalice，Iassureyou，evergavemeanuneasymoment。No，no，IpromiseyouIamaboveallthat-ButwherewasI？Oletmesee，Itoldyoumyhusbandwasjealous-Andofwhom，Ipray？-Why，ofwhombutthelieutenantI
mentionedtoyoubefore！Hewasobligedtoresortaboveayearandmoreback，tofindanyobjectforthisunaccountablepassion，if，indeed，hereallyfeltanysuch，andwasnotanarrantcounterfeit，inordertoabuseme。
\"ButIhavetiredyoualreadywithtoomanyparticulars。Iwillnowbringmystorytoaveryspeedyconclusion。Inshort，then，aftermanyscenesveryunworthytoberepeated，inwhichmycousinengagedsoheartilyonmyside，thatMr。Fitzpatrickatlastturnedheroutofdoors；whenhefoundIwasneithertobesoothednorbulliedintocompliance，hetookaveryviolentmethodindeed。Perhapsyouwillconcludehebeatme；butthis，thoughhehathapproachedveryneartoit，heneveractuallydid。Heconfinedmetomyroom，withoutsufferingmetohaveeitherpen，ink，paper，orbook:andaservanteverydaymademybed，andbroughtmemyfood。
\"WhenIhadremainedaweekunderthisimprisonment，hemademeavisit，and，withthevoiceofaschoolmaster，or，whatisoftenmuchthesame，ofatyrant，askedme，’IfIwouldyetcomply？’I
answered，verystoutly，’ThatIwoulddiefirst。’’Thensoyoushall，andbed——n’d！’crieshe；’foryoushallnevergoaliveoutofthisroom。’
\"HereIremainedafortnightlonger；and，tosaythetruth，myconstancywasalmostsubdued，andIbegantothinkofsubmission；
when，oneday，intheabsenceofmyhusband，whowasgoneabroadforsomeshorttime，bythegreatestgoodfortuneintheworld，anaccidenthappened-I-atatimewhenIbegantogivewaytotheutmostdespair——everythingwouldbeexcusableatsuchatime-atthatverytimeIreceived——Butitwouldtakeupanhourtotellyouallparticulars-Inoneword，thenforIwillnottireyouwithcircumstances，gold，thecommonkeytoallpadlocks，openedmydoor，andsetmeatliberty。
\"InowmadehastetoDublin，whereIimmediatelyprocurredapassagetoEngland；andwasproceedingtoBath，inordertothrowmyselfintotheprotectionofmyaunt，orofyourfather，orofanyrelationwhowouldafforditme。MyhusbandovertookmelastnightattheinnwhereIlay，andwhichyouleftafewminutesbeforeme；
butIhadthegoodlucktoescapehim，andtofollowyou。
\"Andthus，mydear，endsmyhistory:atragicalone，Iamsure，itistomyself；but，perhaps，Ioughtrathertoapologisetoyouforitsdulness。\"
Sophiaheavedadeepsigh，andanswered，\"Indeed，Harriet，Ipityyoufrommysoul！——Butwhatcouldyouexpect？Why，why，wouldyoumarryanIrishman？\"
\"Uponmyword，\"repliedhercousin，\"yourcensureisunjust。Thereare，amongtheIrish，menofasmuchworthandhonourasanyamongtheEnglish:nay，tospeakthetruth，generosityofspiritisrathermorecommonamongthem。Ihaveknownsomeexamplesthere，too，ofgoodhusbands；andIbelievethesearenotveryplentyinEngland。Askme，rather，whatIcouldexpectwhenImarriedafool；andIwilltellyouasolemntruth；Ididnotknowhimtobeso。\"-\"Cannoman，\"saidSophia，inaverylowandalteredvoice，\"doyouthink，makeabadhusband，whoisnotafool？\"\"That，\"answeredtheother，\"istoogeneralanegative；butnone，Ibelieve，issolikelyasafooltoproveso。Amongmyacquaintance，thesilliestfellowsaretheworsthusbands；andIwillventuretoassert，asafact，thatamanofsenserarelybehavesveryilltoawifewhodeservesverywell。\"
Chapter8
Adreadfulalarmintheinn，withthearrivalofanunexpectedfriendofMrs。FitzpatrickSophianow，atthedesireofhercousin，related-notwhatfollows，butwhathathgonebeforeinthishistory:forwhichreasonthereaderwill，Isuppose，excusemefornotrepeatingitoveragain。
Oneremark，however，Icannotforbearmakingonhernarrative，namely，thatshemadenomorementionofJones，fromthebeginningtotheend，thaniftherehadbeennosuchpersonalive。ThisIwillneitherendeavourtoaccountfornortoexcuse。Indeed，ifthismaybecalledakindofdishonesty，itseemsthemoreinexcusable，fromtheapparentopennessandexplicitsincerityoftheotherlady-Butsoitwas。
JustasSophiaarrivedattheconclusionofherstory，therearrivedintheroomwherethetwoladiesweresittinganoise，notunlike，inloudness，tothatofapackofhoundsjustletoutfromtheirkennel；nor，inshrillness，tocats，whencaterwauling；ortoscreechowls；or，indeed，morelikeforwhatanimalcanresembleahumanvoice？tothosesoundswhich，inthepleasantmansionsofthatgatewhichseemstoderiveitsnamefromaduplicityoftongues，issuefromthemouths，andsometimesfromthenostrils，ofthosefairrivernymphs，yclepedofoldtheNaiades；inthevulgartonguetranslatedoyster-wenches；forwhen，insteadoftheantientlibationsofmilkandhoneyandoil，therichdistillationfromthejuniper-berry，or，perhaps，frommalt，hath，bytheearlydevotionoftheirvotaries，beenpouredforthingreatabundance，shouldanydaringtonguewithunhallowedlicenseprophane，i。e。，depreciate，thedelicatefatMiltonoyster，theplaicesoundandfirm，theflounderasmuchaliveaswheninthewater，theshrimpasbigasaprawn，thefinecodalivebutafewhoursago，oranyotherofthevarioustreasureswhichthosewater-deitieswhofishtheseaandrivershavecommittedtothecareofthenymphs，theangryNaiadesliftuptheirimmortalvoices，andtheprophanewretchisstruckdeafforhisimpiety。
Suchwasthenoisewhichnowburstfromoneoftheroomsbelow；
andsoonthethunder，whichlonghadrattledatadistance，begantoapproachnearerandnearer，till，havingascendedbydegreesupstairs，itatlastenteredtheapartmentwheretheladieswere。Inshort，todropallmetaphorandfigure，Mrs。Honour，havingscoldedviolentlybelow-stairs，andcontinuedthesameallthewayup，cameintohermistressinamostoutrageouspassion，cryingout，\"Whatdothyourladyshipthink？Wouldyouimaginethatthisimpudentvillain，themasterofthishouse，hathhadtheimpudencetotellme，nay，tostanditouttomyface，thatyourladyshipisthatnasty，stinkingwh-reJennyCamerontheycallher，thatrunsaboutthecountrywiththePretender？Nay，thelying，saucyvillainhadtheassurancetotellme，thatyourladyshiphadownedyourselftobeso；butIhaveclawedtherascal；Ihaveleftthemarksofmynailsinhisimpudentface。Mylady！saysI，yousaucyscoundrel；myladyismeatfornopretenders。Sheisayoungladyofasgoodfashion，andfamily，andfortune，asanyinSomersetshire。DidyouneverhearofthegreatSquireWestern，sirrah？Sheishisonlydaughter；sheis——，andheiresstoallhisgreatestate。MyladytobecalledanastyScotchwh-rebysuchavarlet！-TobesureIwishIhadknockedhisbrainsoutwiththepunchbowl。\"
TheprincipaluneasinesswithwhichSophiawasaffectedonthisoccasion，Honourhadherselfcaused，byhavinginherpassiondiscoveredwhoshewas。However，asthismistakeofthelandlordsufficientlyaccountedforthosepassageswhichSophiahadbeforemistaken，sheacquiredsomeeaseonthataccount；norcouldshe，uponthewhole，forbearsmiling。ThisenragedHonour，andshecries，\"Indeed，madam，Ididnotthinkyourladyshipwouldhavemadealaughingmatterofit。Tobecalledwhorebysuchanimpudentlowrascal。Yourladyshipmaybeangrywithme，foraughtIknow，fortakingyourpart，sinceprofferedservice，theysay，stinks；buttobesureIcouldneverbeartohearaladyminecalledwhore-NorwillI
bearit。IamsureyourladyshipisasvirtuousaladyaseversatfootonEnglishground，andIwillclawanyvillain’seyesoutwhodaresfortooffertopresumefortosaytheleastwordtothecontrary。NobodyevercouldsaytheleastillofthecharacterofanyladythateverIwaitedupon。\"
Hincillae，lachrymae:inplaintruth，Honourhadasmuchloveforhermistressasmostservantshave，thatistosay-Butbesidesthis，herprideobligedhertosupportthecharacteroftheladyshewaitedon；forshethoughtherownwasinaveryclosemannerconnectedwithit。Inproportionasthecharacterofhermistresswasraised，herslikewise，assheconceived，wasraisedwithit；
and，onthecontrary，shethoughttheonecouldnotbeloweredwithouttheother。
Onthissubject，reader，Imuststopamoment，totelltheeastory。
\"ThefamousNellGwynn，steppingoneday，fromahousewhereshehadmadeashortvisit，intohercoach，sawagreatmobassembled，andherfootmanallbloodyanddirty；thefellow，beingaskedbyhismistressthereasonofhisbeinginthatcondition，answered，’I
havebeenfighting，madam，withanimpudentrascalwhocalledyourladyshipawh-re。’’Youblockhead，’repliedMrs。Gwynn，’atthisrateyoumustfighteverydayofyourlife；why，youfool，alltheworldknowsit。’’Dothey？’criesthefellow，inamutteringvoice，afterhehadshutthecoachdoor，’theyshan’tcallmeawhore’sfootmanforallthat。’
ThusthepassionofMrs。Honourappearsnaturalenough，evenifitweretobenootherwiseaccountedfor；but，inreality，therewasanothercauseofheranger；forwhichwemustbegleavetoremindourreaderofacircumstancementionedintheabovesimile。Thereareindeedcertainliquors，which，beingappliedtoourpassions，ortofire，produceeffectstheveryreverseofthoseproducedbywater，astheyservetokindleandinflame，ratherthantoextinguish。
Amongthese，thegenerousliquorcalledpunchisone。Itwasnot，therefore，withoutreason，thatthelearnedDr。Cheneyusedtocalldrinkingpunchpouringliquidfiredownyourthroat。
Now，Mrs。Honourhadunluckilypouredsomuchofthisliquidfiredownherthroat，thatthesmokeofitbegantoascendintoherpericranium，andblindedtheeyesofReason，whichistheresupposedtokeepherresidence，whilethefireitselffromthestomacheasilyreachedtheheart，andthereinflamedthenoblepassionofpride。Sothat，uponthewhole，weshallceasetowonderattheviolentrageofthewaiting-woman；thoughatfirstsightwemustconfessthecauseseemsinadequatetotheeffect。
Sophia，andhercousinboth，didallintheirpowertoextinguishtheseflames，whichhadroaredsoloudlyalloverthehouse。Theyatlengthprevailed；or，tocarrythemetaphoronestepfarther，thefire，havingconsumedallthefuelwhichthelanguageaffords，towit，everyreproachfulterminit，atlastwentoutofitsownaccord。
But，thoughtranquillitywasrestoredabovestairs，itwasnotsobelow；wheremylandlady，highlyresentingtheinjurydonetothebeautyofherhusbandbytheflesh-spadesofMrs。Honour，calledaloudforrevengeandjustice。Astothepoorman，whohadprincipallysufferedintheengagement，hewasperfectlyquiet。Perhapsthebloodwhichhelostmighthavecooledhisanger:fortheenemyhadnotonlyappliedhernailstohischeeks，butlikewiseherfisttohisnostrils，whichlamentedtheblowwithtearsofbloodingreatabundance。Tothiswemayaddreflectionsonhismistake；butindeednothingsoeffectuallysilencedhisresentmentasthemannerinwhichhenowdiscoveredhiserror；forastothebehaviourofMrs。
Honour，ithadthemoreconfirmedhiminhisopinion；buthewasnowassuredbyapersonofgreatfigure，andwhowasattendedbyagreatequipage，thatoneoftheladieswasawomanoffashion，andhisintimateacquaintance。
Bytheordersofthisperson，thelandlordnowascended，andacquaintedourfairtravellersthatagreatgentlemanbelowdesiredtodothemthehonourofwaitingonthem。Sophiaturnedpaleandtrembledatthismessage，thoughthereaderwillconcludeitwastoocivil，notwithstandingthelandlord’sblunder，tohavecomefromherfather；butfearhaththecommonfaultofajusticeofpeace，andisapttoconcludehastilyfromeveryslightcircumstance，withoutexaminingtheevidenceonbothsides。
Toeasethereader’scuriosity，therefore，ratherthanhisapprehensions，weproceedtoinformhimthatanIrishpeerhadarrivedverylatethateveningattheinn，inhiswaytoLondon。Thisnobleman，havingsalliedfromhissupperatthehurricanebeforecommemorated，hadseentheattendantofMrs。Fitzpatrick，anduponashortenquiry，wasinformedthatherlady，withwhomhewasveryparticularlyacquainted，wasabove。Thisinformationhehadnosoonerreceived，thanheaddressedhimselftothelandlord，pacifiedhim，andsenthimupstairswithcomplimentsrathercivillerthanthosewhichweredelivered。
Itmayperhapsbewonderedat，thatthewaiting-womanherselfwasnotthemessengeremployedonthisoccasion；butwearesorrytosayshewasnotatpresentqualifiedforthat，orindeedforanyotheroffice。Therumforsothelandlordchosetocallthedistillationfrommalthadbaselytakentheadvantageofthefatiguewhichthepoorwomanhadundergone，andhadmadeterribledepredationsonhernoblefaculties，atatimewhentheywereveryunabletoresisttheattack。
Weshallnotdescribethistragicalscenetoofully；butwethoughtourselvesobliged，bythathistoricintegritywhichweprofess，shortlytohintamatterwhichwewouldotherwisehavebeengladtohavespared。Manyhistorians，indeed，forwantofthisintegrity，orofdiligence，tosaynoworse，oftenleavethereadertofindouttheselittlecircumstancesinthedark，andsometimestohisgreatconfusionandperplexity。
Sophiawasverysooneasedofhercauselessfrightbytheentryofthenoblepeer，whowasnotonlyanintimateacquaintanceofMrs。
Fitzpatrick，butinrealityaveryparticularfriendofthatlady。
Tosaytruth，itwasbyhisassistancethatshehadbeenenabledtoescapefromherhusband；forthisnoblemanhadthesamegallantdispositionwiththoserenownedknightsofwhomwereadinheroicstory，andhaddeliveredmanyanimprisonednymphfromdurance。Hewasindeedasbitteranenemytothesavageauthoritytoooftenexercisedbyhusbandsandfathers，overtheyoungandlovelyoftheothersex，aseverknighterrantwastothebarbarouspowerofenchanters；nay，tosaytruth，Ihaveoftensuspectedthatthoseveryenchanterswithwhichromanceeverywhereabounds，wereinrealitynootherthanthehusbandsofthosedays；andmatrimonyitselfwas，perhaps，theenchantedcastleinwhichthenymphsweresaidtobeconfined。
ThisnoblemanhadanestateintheneighbourhoodofFitzpatrick，andhadbeenforsometimeacquaintedwiththelady。Nosooner，therefore，didhehearofherconfinement，thanheearnestlyappliedhimselftoprocureherliberty；whichhepresentlyeffected，notbystormingthecastle，accordingtotheexampleofantientheroes，butbycorruptingthegovernor，inconformitywiththemodernartofwar，inwhichcraftisheldtobepreferabletovalour，andgoldisfoundtobemoreirresistiblethaneitherleadorsteel。
Thiscircumstance，however，astheladydidnotthinkitmaterialenoughtorelatetoherfriend，wewouldnotatthattimeimpartittothereader。Weratherchosetoleavehimawhileunderasuppositionthatshehadfound，orcoined，orbysomeveryextraordinary，perhapssupernaturalmeans，hadpossessedherselfofthemoneywithwhichshehadbribedherkeeper，thantointerrupthernarrativebygivingahintofwhatseemedtoheroftoolittleimportancetobementioned。
Thepeer，afterashortconversation，couldnotforbearexpressingsomesurprizeatmeetingtheladyinthatplace；norcouldherefrainfromtellingherheimaginedshehadbeengonetoBath。Mrs。