Chapter9
Containinglove-lettersofseveralsortsMr。Jones，athisreturnhome，foundthefollowingletterslyingonhistable，whichheluckilyopenedintheordertheyweresent。
LETTERI
SurelyIamundersomestrangeinfatuation；Icannotkeepmyresolutionsamoment，howeverstrongmadeorjustlyfounded。LastnightIresolvednevertoseeyoumore；thismorningIamwillingtohearifyoucan，asyousay，clearupthisaffair。AndyetIknowthattobeimpossible。Ihavesaideverythingtomyselfwhichyoucaninvent——Perhapsnot。Perhapsyourinventionisstronger。Cometome，therefore，themomentyoureceivethis。Ifyoucanforgeanexcuse，Ialmostpromiseyoutobelieveit。Betrayedtoo-Iwillthinknomore——Cometomedirectly——ThisisthethirdletterIhavewrit，thetwoformerareburnt——Iamalmostinclinedtoburnthistoo-I
wishImaypreservesenses——Cometomepresently。
LETTERII
Ifyoueverexpecttobeforgiven，orevensufferedwithinmydoors，cometomethisinstant。
LETTERIII
Inowfindyouwasnotathomewhenmynotescametoyourlodgings。Themomentyoureceivethisletmeseeyou；——Ishallnotstirout；norshallanybodybeletinbutyourself。Surenothingcandetainyoulong。
Joneshadjustreadoverthesethreebillets，whenMr。Nightingalecameintotheroom。\"Well，Tom，\"saidhe，\"anynewsfromLadyBellaston，afterlastnight’sadventure？\"foritwasnownosecrettoanyoneinthathousewhotheladywas。\"TheLadyBellaston？\"
answeredJonesverygravely——\"Nay，dearTom，\"criesNightingale，\"don’tbesoreservedtoyourfriends。ThoughIwastoodrunktoseeherlastnight，Isawheratthemasquerade。DoyouthinkIamignorantwhothequeenofthefairiesis？\"\"Anddidyoureallythenknowtheladyatthemasquerade？\"saidJones。\"Yes，uponmysoul，didI，\"saidNightingale，\"andhavegivenyoutwentyhintsofitsince，thoughyouseemedalwayssotenderonthatpoint，thatI
wouldnotspeakplainly。Ifancy，myfriend，byyourextremenicetyinthismatter，youarenotsowellacquaintedwiththecharacteroftheladyaswithherperson。Don’tbeangry，Tom，butuponmyhonour，youarenotthefirstyoungfellowshehathdebauched。Herreputationisinnodanger，believeme。\"
ThoughJoneshadnoreasontoimaginetheladytohavebeenofthevestalkindwhenhisamourbegan；yet，ashewasthoroughlyignorantofthetown，andhadverylittleacquaintanceinit，hehadnoknowledgeofthatcharacterwhichisvulgarlycalledademirep；thatistosay，awomanwhointrigueswitheverymanshelikes，underthenameandappearanceofvirtue；andwho，thoughsomeoverniceladieswillnotbeseenwithher，isvisitedastheytermitbythewholetown，inshort，whomeverybodyknowstobewhatnobodycallsher。
Whenhefound，therefore，thatNightingalewasperfectlyacquaintedwithhisintrigue，andbegantosuspectthatsoscrupulousadelicacyashehadhithertoobservedwasnotquitenecessaryontheoccasion，hegavealatitudetohisfriend’stongue，anddesiredhimtospeakplainlywhatheknew，orhadeverheardofthelady。
Nightingale，who，inmanyotherinstances，wasrathertooeffeminateinhisdisposition，hadaprettystronginclinationtotittle-tattle。Hehadnosooner，therefore，receivedafulllibertyofspeakingfromJones，thanheentereduponalongnarrativeconcerningthelady；which，asitcontainedmanyparticularshighlytoherdishonour，wehavetoogreatatendernessforallwomenofconditiontorepeat。Wewouldcautiouslyavoidgivinganopportunitytothefuturecommentatorsonourworks，ofmakinganymaliciousapplication，andofforcingustobe，againstourwill，theauthorofscandal，whichneverenteredintoourhead。
Jones，havingveryattentivelyheardallthatNightingalehadtosay，fetchedadeepsigh；whichtheother，observing，cried，\"Heyday！why，thouartnotinlove，Ihope！HadIimaginedmystorieswouldhaveaffectedyou，Ipromiseyoushouldneverhaveheardthem。\"\"Omydearfriend！\"criesJones，\"Iamsoentangledwiththiswoman，thatIknownothowtoextricatemyself。Inlove，indeed！no，myfriend，butIamunderobligationstoher，andverygreatones。
Sinceyouknowsomuch，Iwillbeveryexplicitwithyou。Itisowing，perhaps，solelytoher，thatIhavenot，beforethis，wantedabitofbread。HowcanIpossiblydesertsuchawoman？andyetImustdeserther，orbeguiltyoftheblackesttreacherytoonewhodeservesinfinitelybetterofmethanshecan；awoman，myNightingale，forwhomIhaveapassionwhichfewcanhaveanideaof。Iamhalfdistractedwithdoubtshowtoact。\"\"Andisthisother，pray，anhonourablemistress？\"criesNightingale。\"Honourable！\"answeredJones；
\"nobreatheveryetdurstsullyherreputation。Thesweetestairisnotpurer，thelimpidstreamnotclearer，thanherhonour。Sheisallover，bothinmindandbody，consummateperfection。Sheisthemostbeautifulcreatureintheuniverse:andyetsheismistressofsuchnobleelevatedqualities，that，thoughsheisneverfrommythoughts，IscarceeverthinkofherbeautybutwhenIseeit。\"-\"Andcanyou，mygoodfriend，\"criesNightingale，\"withsuchanengagementasthisuponyourhands，hesitateamomentaboutquittingsucha-\"\"Hold，\"saidJones，\"nomoreabuseofher:Idetestthethoughtofingratitude。\"\"Pooh！\"answeredtheother，\"youarenotthefirstuponwhomshehathconferredobligationsofthiskind。Sheisremarkablyliberalwhereshelikes；though，letmetellyou，herfavoursaresoprudentlybestowed，thattheyshouldratherraiseaman’svanitythanhisgratitude。\"Inshort，Nightingaleproceededsofaronthishead，andtoldhisfriendsomanystoriesofthelady，whichhesworetothetruthof，thatheentirelyremovedallesteemforherfromthebreastofJones；andhisgratitudewaslessenedinproportion。Indeed，hebegantolookonallthefavourshehadreceivedratheraswagesthanbenefits，whichdepreciatednotonlyher，buthimselftooinhisownconceit，andputhimquiteoutofhumourwithboth。Fromthisdigust，hismind，byanaturaltransition，turnedtowardsSophia；hervirtue，herpurity，herlovetohim，hersufferingsonhisaccount，filledallhisthoughts，andmadehiscommercewithLadyBellastonappearstillmoreodious。Theresultofallwas，that，thoughhisturninghimselfoutofherservice，inwhichlighthenowsawhisaffairwithher，wouldbethelossofhisbread；yethedeterminedtoquither，ifhecouldbutfindahandsomepretence:whichbeingcommunicatedtohisfriend，Nightingaleconsideredalittle，andthensaid，\"Ihaveit，myboy！Ihavefoundoutasuremethod；proposemarriagetoher，andIwouldventurehanginguponthesuccess。\"\"Marriage？\"criesJones。\"Ay，proposemarriage，\"answeredNightingale，\"andshewilldeclareoffinamoment。Iknewayoungfellowwhomshekeptformerly，whomadetheoffertoherinearnest，andwaspresentlyturnedoffforhispains。\"
Jonesdeclaredhecouldnotventuretheexperiment。\"Perhaps，\"
saidhe，\"shemaybelessshockedatthisproposalfromonemanthanfromanother。Andifsheshouldtakemeatmyword，whereamIthen？
caughtinmyowntrap，andundoneforever。\"\"No，\"answeredNightingale，\"notifIcangiveyouanexpedientbywhichyoumayatanytimegetoutofthetrap。\"——\"Whatexpedientcanthatbe？\"repliedJones。\"This，\"answeredNightingale。\"TheyoungfellowImentioned，whoisoneofthemostintimateacquaintancesIhaveintheworld，issoangrywithherforsomeillofficesshehathsincedonehim，thatIamsurehewould，withoutanydifficulty，giveyouasightofherletters；uponwhichyoumaydecentlybreakwithher；anddeclareoffbeforetheknotistied，ifsheshouldreallybewillingtotieit，whichIamconvincedshewillnot。\"
Aftersomehesitation，Jones，uponthestrengthofthisassurance，consented；but，ashesworehewantedtheconfidencetoproposethemattertoherface，hewrotethefollowingletter，whichNightingaledictated:-
MADAM，Iamextremelyconcerned，that，byanunfortunateengagementabroad，Ishouldhavemissedreceivingthehonourofyourladyship’scommandsthemomenttheycame；andthedelaywhichImustnowsufferofvindicatingmyselftoyourladyshipgreatlyaddstothismisfortune。O，LadyBellaston！whataterrorhaveIbeenin，forfearyourreputationshouldbeexposedbytheseperverseaccidents！
Thereisoneonlywaytosecureit。Ineednotnamewhatthatis。Onlypermitmetosay，thatasyourhonourisasdeartomeasmyown，somysoleambitionistohavethegloryoflayingmylibertyatyourfeet；andbelievemewhenIassureyou，Icanneverbemadecompletelyhappy，withoutyougenerouslybestowonmealegalrightofcallingyoumineforever-Iam，madam，withmostprofoundrespect，yourladyship’smostobliged，obedient，humbleservant，THOMASJONES
Tothisshepresentlyreturnedthefollowinganswer:
SIR，WhenIreadoveryourseriousepistle，Icould，fromitscoldnessandformality，haveswornthatyoualreadyhadthelegalrightyoumention；nay，thatwehadformanyyearscomposedthatmonstrousanimalahusbandandwife。Doyoureallythenimaginemeafool？ordoyoufancyyourselfcapableofsoentirelypersuadingmeoutofmysenses，thatIshoulddelivermywholefortuneintoyourpower，inordertoenableyoutosupportyourpleasuresatmyexpense？ArethesetheproofsoflovewhichIexpected？Isthisthereturnfor——？butI
scorntoupbraidyou，andamingreatadmirationofyourProfoundrespect。
P。S。Iampreventedfromrevising:——PerhapsIhavesaidmorethanI
meant——Cometomeateightthisevening。
Jones，bytheadviceofhisprivy-council，replied:
MADAM，ItisimpossibletoexpresshowmuchIamshockedatthesuspicionyouentertainofme。CanLadyBellastonhaveconferredfavoursonamanwhomshecouldbelievecapableofsobaseadesign？orcanshetreatthemostsolemntieoflovewithcontempt？Canyouimagine，madam，thatiftheviolenceofmypassion，inanunguardedmoment，overcamethetendernesswhichIhaveforyourhonour，Iwouldthinkofindulgingmyselfinthecontinuanceofanintercoursewhichcouldnotpossiblyescapelongthenoticeoftheworld；andwhich，whendiscovered，mustprovesofataltoyourreputation？Ifsuchbeyouropinionofme，Imustprayforasuddenopportunityofreturningthosepecuniaryobligations，whichIhavebeensounfortunatetoreceiveatyourhands；andforthoseofamoretenderkind，Ishalleverremain，&c。Andsoconcludedintheverywordswithwhichhehadconcludedtheformerletter。
Theladyansweredasfollows:
Iseeyouareavillain！andIdespiseyoufrommysoul。IfyoucomehereIshallnotbeathome。
ThoughJoneswaswellsatisfiedwithhisdeliverancefromathraldomwhichthosewhohaveeverexperienceditwill，Iapprehend，allowtobenoneofthelightest，hewasnot，however，perfectlyeasyinhismind。Therewasinthisschemetoomuchoffallacytosatisfyonewhoutterlydetestedeveryspeciesoffalshoodordishonesty:norwouldhe，indeed，havesubmittedtoputitinpractice，hadhenotbeeninvolvedinadistressfulsituation，wherehewasobligedtobeguiltyofsomedishonour，eithertotheoneladyortheother；andsurelythereaderwillallow，thateverygoodprinciple，aswellaslove，pleadedstronglyinfavourofSophia。
Nightingalehighlyexultedinthesuccessofhisstratagem，uponwhichhereceivedmanythanksandmuchapplausefromhisfriend。Heanswered，\"DearTom，wehaveconferredverydifferentobligationsoneachother。Tomeyouowetheregainingyourliberty；toyouIowethelossofmine。ButifyouareashappyintheoneinstanceasIamintheother，IpromiseyouwearethetwohappiestfellowsinEngland。\"
Thetwogentlemenwerenowsummoneddowntodinner，whereMrs。
Miller，whoperformedherselftheofficeofcook，hadexertedherbesttalentstocelebratetheweddingofherdaughter。ThisjoyfulcircumstancesheascribedprincipallytothefriendlybehaviourofJones；herwholesoulwasfiredwithgratitudetowardshim，andallherlooks，words，andactions，weresobusiedinexpressingit，thatherdaughter，andevenhernewson-in-law，wereverylittleobjectsofherconsideration。
DinnerwasjustendedwhenMrs。Millerreceivedaletter；butaswehavehadlettersenowinthischapter，weshallcommunicateitscontentsinournext。
Chapter10
Consistingpartlyoffacts，andpartlyofobservationsuponthemTheletter，then，whicharrivedattheendoftheprecedingchapterwasfromMr。Allworthy，andthepurportofitwas，hisintentiontocomeimmediatelytotown，withhisnephewBlifil，andadesiretobeaccommodatedwithhisusuallodgings，whichwerethefirstfloorforhimself，andthesecondforhisnephew。
Thechearfulnesswhichhadbeforedisplayeditselfinthecountenanceofthepoorwomanwasalittlecloudedonhisoccasion。
Thisnewsdidindeedagooddealdisconcerther。Torequitesodisinterestedamatchwithherdaughter，bypresentlyturninghernewson-in-lawoutofdoors，appearedtoherveryunjustifiableontheonehand；andontheother，shecouldscarcebearthethoughtsofmakinganyexcusetoMr。Allworthy，afteralltheobligationsreceivedfromhim，fordeprivinghimoflodgingswhichwereindeedstrictlyhisdue；forthatgentleman，inconferringallhisnumberlessbenefitsonothers，actedbyarulediametricallyoppositetowhatispractisedbymostgenerouspeople。Hecontrived，onalloccasions，tohidehisbeneficence，notonlyfromtheworld，butevenfromtheobjectofit。HeconstantlyusedthewordsLendandPay，insteadofGive；andbyeveryothermethodhecouldinvent，alwayslessenedwithhistonguethefavoursheconferred，whilehewasheapingthemwithbothhands。
WhenhesettledtheannuityofL50ayearthereforeonMrs。Miller，hetoldher，\"itwasinconsiderationofalwayshavingherfirst-floorwhenhewasintownwhichhescarceeverintendedtobe，butthatshemightletitatanyothertime，forthathewouldalwayssendheramonth’swarning。\"Hewasnow，however，hurriedtotownsosuddenly，thathehadnoopportunityofgivingsuchnotice；andthishurryprobablypreventedhim，whenhewroteforhislodgings，adding，iftheywerethenempty；forhewouldmostcertainlyhavebeenwellsatisfiedtohaverelinquishedthem，onalesssufficientexcusethanwhatMrs。Millercouldnowhavemade。
Butthereareasortofpersons，who，asPriorexcellentlywellremarks，directtheirconductbysomethingBeyondthefix’dandsettledrulesOfviceandvirtueintheschools，Beyondtheletterofthelaw。
TotheseitissofarfrombeingsufficientthattheirdefencewouldacquitthemattheOldBailey，thattheyarenotevencontented，thoughconscience，theseverestofalljudges，shoulddischargethem。Nothingshortofthefairandhonourablewillsatisfythedelicacyoftheirminds；andifanyoftheiractionsfallshortofthismark，theymopeandpine，areasuneasyandrestlessasamurderer，whoisafraidofaghost，orofthehangman。
Mrs。Millerwasoneofthese。Shecouldnotconcealheruneasinessatthisletter；withtheofwhichshehadnosooneracquaintedthecompany，andgivensomehintsofherdistress，thanJones，hergoodangel，presentlyrelievedheranxiety。\"Asformyself，madam，’saidhe，\"mylodgingisatyourserviceatamoment’swarning；andMr。
Nightingale，Iamsure，ashecannotyetprepareahousefittoreceivehislady，willconsenttoreturntohisnewlodging，whitherMrs。Nightingalewillcertainlyconsenttogo。\"Withwhichproposalbothhusbandandwifeagreed。
Thereaderwilleasilybelieve，thatthecheeksofMrs。MillerbeganagaintoglowwithadditionalgratitudetoJones；but，perhaps，itmaybemoredifficulttopersuadehim，thatMr。JoneshavinginhislastspeechcalledherdaughterMrs。Nightingaleitbeingthefirsttimethatagreeablesoundhadeverreachedherears，gavethefondmothermoresatisfaction，andwarmedherheartmoretowardsJones，thanhishavingdissipatedherpresentanxiety。
Thenextdaywasthenappointedfortheremovalofthenew-marriedcouple，andofMr。Jones，whowaslikewisetobeprovidedforinthesamehousewithhisfriend。Andnowtheserenityofthecompanywasagainrestored，andtheypastthedayintheutmostchearfulness，allexceptJones，who，thoughheoutwardlyaccompaniedtherestintheirmirth，feltmanyabitterpangontheaccountofhisSophia，whichwerenotalittleheightenedbythenewsofMr。Blifil’scomingtotownforheclearlysawtheintentionofhisjourney；andwhatgreatlyaggravatedhisconcernwas，thatMrs。Honour，whohadpromisedtoinquireafterSophia，andtomakeherreporttohimearlythenextevening，haddisappointedhim。
Inthesituationthatheandhismistresswereinatthistime，therewerescarceanygroundsforhimtohopethatheshouldhearanygoodnews；yethewasasimpatienttoseeMrs。HonourasifhehadexpectedshewouldbringhimaletterwithanassignationinitfromSophia，andborethedisappointmentasill。Whetherthisimpatiencearosefromthatnaturalweaknessofthehumanmind，whichmakesitdesiroustoknowtheworst，andrendersuncertaintythemostintolerableofpains；orwhetherhestillflatteredhimselfwithsomesecrethopes，wewillnotdetermine。Butthatitmightbethelast，whoeverhaslovedcannotbutknow。Forofallthepowersexercisedbythispassionoverourminds，oneofthemostwonderfulisthatofsupportinghopeinthemidstofdespair。Difficulties，improbabilities，nay，impossibilities，arequiteoverlookedbyit；
sothattoanymanextremelyinlove，maybeappliedwhatAddisonsaysofCaesar，TheAlps，andPyrenaeans，sinkbeforehim！
Yetitisequallytrue，thatthesamepassionwillsometimesmakemountainsofmolehills，andproducedespairinthemidstofhope；
butthesecoldfitslastnotlongingoodconstitutions。WhichtemperJoneswasnowin，weleavethereadertoguess，havingnoexactinformationaboutit；butthisiscertain，thathehadspenttwohoursinexpectation，when，beingunableanylongertoconcealhisuneasiness，heretiredtohisroom；wherehisanxietyhadalmostmadehimfrantick，whenthefollowingletterwasbroughthimfromMrs。
Honour，withwhichweshallpresentthereaderverbatimetliteratim。
SIR，Ishudsartenlyhafkaledonyouacordintoomiprommisshadduntittbinthathurlashipppreventmee；fortobeesur，Sir，younoseverywellthateverepersunmustlukfurstatome，andsartenlysuchanutheroffarmitenothaveeverhapned，soasIshudavebinjustlytoblam，hadInotexceptedofitwhenherlashippwassoverikindastooffartomakmeehuroneumanwithoutmieveraskinanysuchthing，tobesursheeiswonoftheebestladisintheewurld，andpepilwhosasetothekontrarimustbeeveriwiketpepilinthareharts。
TobeesurifeverIavesadanythingofthatkineitasbinthruignorens，andIamhartilisorriforit。Inoseyouronurtobeagenteelmanofmoreonurandonesty，ifIeversaidanisuchthing，torepeteittohurtaporeservantthatasalwaisaddtheegratestrespectintheewurldforureonur。Tobesurwonshudkepewonstungwithinwonsteeth，fornoboddinosewhatmayhapen；andtobeesurifaniboddiadtoldemeeyesterday，thatIshudhafbeninsogudaplasetoday，Ishudnothafbeleevedit；fortobesurIneverwasadremdofan；suchthing，norshudIeverhavesoftafteraniotherbodi’splase；butasherlashippwasssokineofheroneacordtoogiveitmeewithoutaskin，tobesurMrs。Etoffherself，nornootherboddicanblammeeforexceptinsuchathingwhenitfalsinmiwaye。IbegureOnurnottomenshionanithingofwhatIhafsad，forIwishureOnuralltheegudlukinthewurld；andIdon’tcuestionbuttthattuwillhafMadamSofiaintheend；buttasstomiselfureonurnoseIkantbeeofanifardersarvistouinthatmatar，noubeinundertheecumandoffanutherparson，andnoteonemistress，IbeggureOnurtosaynothingofwhatpast，andbelivemetobe，sir，ureOnur’sumbleservanttocumandtilldeth，HONOURBLACKMORE
VariousweretheconjectureswhichJonesentertainedonthisstepofLadyBellaston；who，inreality，hadlittlefartherdesignthantosecurewithinherownhousetherepositoryofasecret，whichshechoseshouldmakenofartherprogressthanithadmadealready；butmostly，shedesiredtokeepitfromtheearsofSophia；forthoughthatyoungladywasalmosttheonlyonewhowouldneverhaverepeateditagain，herladyshipcouldnotpersuadeherselfofthis；
since，asshenowhatedpoorSophiawithmostimplacablehatred，sheconceivedareciprocalhatredtoherselftobelodgedinthetenderbreastofourheroine，wherenosuchpassionhadeveryetfoundanentrance。
WhileJoneswasterrifyinghimselfwiththeapprehensionofathousanddreadfulmachinations，anddeeppoliticaldesigns，whichheimaginedtobeatthebottomofthepromotionofHonour，Fortune，whohithertoseemstohavebeenanutterenemytohismatchwithSophia，triedanewmethodtoputafinalendtoit，bythrowingatemptationinhisway，whichinhispresentdesperatesituationitseemedunlikelyheshouldbeabletoresist。
Chapter11
Containingcurious，butnotunprecedentedmatterTherewasalady，oneMrs。Hunt，whohadoftenseenJonesatthehousewherehelodged，beingintimatelyacquaintedwiththewomenthere，andindeedaverygreatfriendtoMrs。Miller。Heragewasaboutthirty，forsheownedsix-and-twenty；herfaceandpersonverygood，onlyincliningalittletoomuchtobefat。ShehadbeenmarriedyoungbyherrelationstoanoldTurkeymerchant，who，havinggotagreatfortune，hadleftofftrade。Withhimshelivedwithoutreproach，butnotwithoutpain，inastateofgreatself-denial，forabouttwelveyears；andhervirtuewasrewardedbyhisdyingandleavingherveryrich。Thefirstyearofherwidowhoodwasjustatanend，andshehadpastitinagooddealofretirement，seeingonlyafewparticularfriends，anddividinghertimebetweenherdevotionsandnovels，ofwhichshewasalwaysextremelyfond。Verygoodhealth，averywarmconstitution，andagooddealofreligion，madeitabsolutelynecessaryforhertomarryagain；andsheresolvedtopleaseherselfinhersecondhusband，asshehaddoneherfriendsinthefirst。FromherthefollowingbilletwasbroughttoJones:-
SIR，FromthefirstdayIsawyou，Idoubtmyeyeshavetoldyoutooplainlythatyouwerenotindifferenttome；butneithermytonguenormyhandshouldhaveeveravowedit，hadnottheladiesofthefamilywhereyouarelodgedgivenmesuchacharacterofyou，andtoldmesuchproofsofyourvirtueandgoodness，asconvincemeyouarenotonlythemostagreeable，butthemostworthyofmen。Ihavealsothesatisfactiontohearfromthem，thatneithermyperson，understanding，orcharacter，aredisagreeabletoyou。Ihaveafortunesufficienttomakeusbothhappy，butwhichcannotmakemesowithoutyou。Inthusdisposingofmyself，IknowIshallincurthecensureoftheworld；butifIdidnotloveyoumorethanIfeartheworld，I
shouldnotbeworthyofyou。Oneonlydifficultystopsme；Iaminformedyouareengagedinacommerceofgallantrywithawomanoffashion。Ifyouthinkitworthwhiletosacrificethattothepossessionofme，Iamyours；ifnot，forgetmyweakness，andletthisremainaneternalsecretbetweenyouandARABELLAHUNT
Atthereadingofthis，Joneswasputintoaviolentflutter。Hisfortunewasthenataverylowebb，thesourcebeingstoptfromwhichhithertohehadbeensupplied。OfallhehadreceivedfromLadyBellaston，notabovefiveguineasremained；andthatverymorninghehadbeendunnedbyatradesmanfortwicethatsum。Hishonourablemistresswasinthehandsofherfather，andhehadscarceanyhopesevertogetheroutofthemagain。Tobesubsistedatherexpense，fromthatlittlefortuneshehadindependentofherfather，wentmuchagainstthedelicacybothofhisprideandhislove。Thislady’sfortunewouldhavebeenexceedingconvenienttohim，andhecouldhavenoobjectiontoherinanyrespect。Onthecontrary，helikedheraswellashedidanywomanexceptSophia。ButtoabandonSophia，andmarryanother，thatwasimpossible；hecouldnotthinkofituponanyaccount。Yetwhyshouldhenot，sinceitwasplainshecouldnotbehis？Woulditnotbekindertoher，thantocontinuelongerengagedtoahopelesspassionforhim？Oughthenottodosoinfriendshiptoher？Thisnotionprevailedsomemoments，andhehadalmostdeterminedtobefalsetoherfromahighpointofhonour:butthatrefinementwasnotabletostandverylongagainstthevoiceofnature，whichcriedinhisheartthatsuchfriendshipwastreasontolove。Atlasthecalledforpen，ink，andpaper，andwritasfollowstoMrs。Hunt:-
MADAM，Itwouldbebutapoorreturntothefavourhavedonemetosacrificeanygallantrytothepossessionofyou，andIwouldcertainlydoit，thoughIwerenotdisengaged，asatpresentIam，fromanyaffairofthatkind。ButIshouldnotbethehonestmanyouthinkme，ifIdidnottellyouthatmyaffectionsareengagedtoanother，whoisawomanofvirtue，andonethatInevercanleave，thoughitisprobableIshallneverpossessher。Godforbidthat，inreturnofyourkindnesstome，IshoulddoyousuchaninjuryastogiveyoumyhandwhenIcannotgivemyheart。No；Ihadmuchratherstarvethanbeguiltyofthat。Eventhoughmymistressweremarriedtoanother，Iwouldnotmarryyouunlessmyhearthadentirelyeffacedallimpressionsofher。Beassuredthatyoursecretwasnotmoresafeinyourownbreast，thaninthatofyourmostobliged，andgratefulhumbleservant，T。JONES
Whenourheroehadfinishedandsentthisletter，hewenttohisscrutore，tookoutMissWestern’smuff，kisseditseveraltimes，andthenstruttedsometurnsabouthisroom，withmoresatisfactionofmindthaneveranyIrishmanfeltincarryingoffafortuneoffiftythousandpounds。
Chapter12
AdiscoverymadebyPartridgeWhileJoneswasexultingintheconsciousnessofhisintegrity，Partridgecamecaperingintotheroom，aswashiscustomwhenhebrought，orfanciedhebrought，anygoodtidings。Hehadbeendispatchedthatmorningbyhismaster，withorderstoendeavour，bytheservantsofLadyBellaston，orbyanyothermeans，todiscoverwhitherSophiahadbeenconveyed；andhenowreturned，andwithajoyfulcountenancetoldourheroethathehadfoundthelostbird。
\"Ihaveseen，sir，\"sayshe，\"BlackGeorge，thegamekeeper，whoisoneoftheservantswhomthesquirehathbroughtwithhimtotown。I
knewhimpresently，thoughIhavenotseenhimtheseseveralyears；
butyouknow，sir，heisaveryremarkableman，or，touseapurerphrase，hehathamostremarkablebeard，thelargestandblackestI
eversaw。Itwassometime，however，beforeBlackGeorgecouldrecollectme。\"\"Well，butwhatisyourgoodnews？\"criesJones；
\"whatdoyouknowofmySophia？\"\"Youshallknowpresently，sir，\"
answeredPartridge，\"IamcomingtoitasfastasIcan。Youaresoimpatient，sir，youwouldcomeattheinfinitivemoodbeforeyoucangettotheimperative。AsIwassaying，sir，itwassometimebeforeherecollectedmyface。\"-\"Confoundyourface！\"criesJones，\"whatofmySophia？\"\"Nay，sir，\"answeredPartridge，\"IknownothingmoreofMadamSophiathanwhatIamgoingtotellyou；andIshouldhavetoldyouallbeforethisifyouhadnotinterruptedme；butifyoulooksoangryatme，youwillfrightenallofitoutofmyhead，or，touseapurerphrase，outofmymemory。IneversawyoulooksoangrysincethedayweleftUpton，whichIshallrememberifIwastoliveathousandyears。\"——\"Well，praygoonyourownway，\"saidJones:\"youareresolvedtomakememad，Ifind。\"\"Notfortheworld，\"answeredPartridge，\"Ihavesufferedenoughforthatalready；which，asIsaid，IshallbearinmyremembrancethelongestdayIhavetolive。\"\"Well，butBlackGeorge？\"criesJones。\"Well，sir，asIwassaying，itwasalongtimebeforehecouldrecollectme；for，indeed，IamverymuchalteredsinceIsawhim。Nonsumqualiseram。*Ihavehadtroublesintheworld，andnothingaltersamansomuchasgrief。I
havehearditwillchangethecolourofaman’shairinanight。
However，atlast，knowmehedid，that’ssureenough；forwearebothofanage，andwereatthesamecharityschool。Georgewasagreatdunce，butnomatterforthat；allmendonotthriveintheworldaccordingtotheirlearning。IamsureIhavereasontosayso；butitwillbealloneathousandyearshence。Well，sir，wherewasI？——O-well，wenosoonerkneweachother，than，aftermanyheartyshakesbythehand，weagreedtogotoanalehouseandtakeapot，andbygoodluckthebeerwassomeofthebestIhavemetwithsinceIhavebeenintown。Now，sir，Iamcomingtothepoint；fornosoonerdidInameyou，andtoldhimthatyouandIcametotowntogether，andhadlivedtogethereversince，thanhecalledforanotherpot，andsworehewoulddrinktoyourhealth；andindeedhedrankyourhealthsoheartilythatIwasoverjoyedtoseetherewassomuchgratitudeleftintheworld；andafterwehademptiedthatpotI
saidIwouldbemypottoo，andsowedrankanothertoyourhealth；
andthenImadehastehometotellyouthenews。\"
*IamnotasIwas。
\"Whatnews？\"criesJones，\"yonhavenotmentionedawordofmySophia！\"\"Blessme！Ihadliketohaveforgotthat。Indeed，wementionedagreatdealaboutyoungMadamWestern，andGeorgetoldmeall；thatMr。Blifil。iscomingtotowninordertobemarriedtoher。
Hehadbestmakehastethen，saysI，orsomebodywillhaveherbeforehecomes；and，indeed，saysI，Mr。Seagrim，itisathousandpitiessomebodyshouldnothaveher；forhecertainlylovesheraboveallthewomenintheworld。Iwouldhavebothyouandsheknow，thatitisnotforherfortunehefollowsher；forIcanassureyou，astomatterofthat，thereisanotherlady，oneofmuchgreaterqualityandfortunethanshecanpretendto，whoissofondofsomebodythatshecomesafterhimdayandnight。\"
HereJonesfellintoapassionwithPartridge，forhaving，ashesaid，betrayedhim；butthepoorfellowanswered，hehadmentionednoname:\"Besides，sir，\"saidhe，\"Icanassureyou，Georgeissincerelyyourfriend，andwishedMr。Blifilatthedevilmorethanonce；nay，hesaidhewoulddoanythinginhispoweruponearthtoserveyou；andsoIamconvincedhewill。Betrayyou，indeed！why，I
questionwhetheryouhaveabetterfriendthanGeorgeuponearth，exceptmyself，oronethatwouldgofarthertoserveyou。\"
\"Well，\"saysJones，alittlepacified，\"yousaythisfellow，who，Ibelieve，indeed，isenoughinclinedtobemyfriend，livesinthesamehousewithSophia？\"
\"Inthesamehouse！\"answeredPartridge；\"why，sir，heisoneoftheservantsofthefamily，andverywelldrestIpromiseyouheis；ifitwasnotforblackbeardyouwouldhardlyknowhim。\"
\"Oneservicethenatleasthemaydome，\"saysJones:\"surehecancertainlyconveyalettertomySophia。\"
\"Youhavehitthenailadunguem，\"criesPartridge；\"howcameI
nottothinkofit？Iwillengageheshalldoitupontheveryfirstmentioning。\"
\"Well，then，\"saidJones，\"doyouleavemeatpresent，andIwillwritealetter，whichyoushalldelivertohimto-morrowmorning；
forIsupposeyouknowwheretofindhim。\"\"Oyes，sir，\"answeredPartridge，\"Ishallcertainlyfindhimagain；thereisnofearofthat。Theliquoristoogoodforhimtostayawaylong。Imakenodoubtbuthewillbethereeverydayhestaysintown。\"
\"Soyoudon’tknowthestreetthenwheremySophiaislodged？\"criesJones。
\"Indeed，sir，Ido，\"saysPartridge。
\"Whatisthenameofthestreet？\"criesJones。
\"Thename，sir？why，here，sir，justby，\"answeredPartridge，\"notaboveastreetortwooff。Idon’t，indeed，knowtheveryname；for，ashenevertoldme，ifIhadasked，youknow，itmighthaveputsomesuspicionintohishead。No，no，sir，letmealoneforthat。Iamtoocunningforthat，Ipromiseyou。\"
\"Thouartmostwonderfullycunning，indeed，\"repliedJones；
\"however，Iwillwritetomycharmer，sinceIbelieveyouwillbecunningenoughtofindhimto-morrowatthealehouse。\"
Andnow，havingdismissedthesagaciousPartridge，Mr。Jonessathimselfdowntowrite，inwhichemploymentweshallleavehimforatime。Andhereweputanendtothefifteenthbook。
BOOKXVI
CONTAININGTHESPACEOFFIVEDAYS
Chapter1
OfprologuesIhaveheardofadramaticwriterwhousedtosay，hewouldratherwriteaplaythanaprologue；inlikemanner，Ithink，Icanwithlesspainswriteoneofthebooksofthishistory，thantheprefatorychaptertoeachofthem。
Tosaythetruth，Ibelievemanyaheartycursehathbeendevotedontheheadofthatauthorwhofirstinstitutedthemethodofprefixingtohisplaythatportionofmatterwhichiscalledtheprologue；andwhichatfirstwaspartofthepieceitself，butoflatteryearshathhadusuallysolittleconnexionwiththedramabeforewhichitstands，thattheprologuetooneplaymightaswellserveforanyother。Thoseindeedofmoremoderndate，seemalltobewrittenonthesamethreetopics，viz。，anabuseofthetasteofthetown，acondemnationofallcontemporaryauthors，andaneulogiumontheperformancejustabouttoberepresented。Thesentimentsinalltheseareverylittlevaried，norisitpossibletheyshould；andindeedIhaveoftenwonderedatthegreatinventionofauthors，whohavebeencapableoffindingsuchvariousphrasestoexpressthesamething。
Inlikemanner，Iapprehend，somefuturehistorianifanyoneshalldomethehonourofimitatingmymannerwill，aftermuchscratchinghispate，bestowsomegoodwishesonmymemory，forhavingfirstestablishedtheseseveralinitialchapters；mostofwhich，likemodernprologues，mayasproperlybeprefixedtoanyotherbookinthishistoryastothatwhichtheyintroduce，orindeedtoanyotherhistoryastothis。
Buthoweverauthorsmaysufferbyeitheroftheseinventions，thereaderwillfindsufficientemolumentintheoneasthespectatorhathlongfoundintheother。
First，itiswellknownthattheprologueservesthecriticforanopportunitytotryhisfacultyofhissing，andtotunehiscatcalltothebestadvantage；bywhichmeans，Ihaveknownthosemusicalinstrumentssowellprepared，thattheyhavebeenabletoplayinfullconcertatthefirstrisingofthecurtain。
Thesameadvantagesmaybedrawnfromthesechapters，inwhichthecriticwillbealwayssureofmeetingwithsomethingthatmayserveasawhetstonetohisnoblespirit；sothathemayfallwithamorehungryappetiteforcensureonthehistoryitself。Andherehissagacitymustmakeitneedlesstoobservehowartfullythesechaptersarecalculatedforthatexcellentpurpose；forinthesewehavealwaystakencaretointerspersesomewhatofthesouroracidkind，inordertosharpenandstimulatethesaidspiritofcriticism。
Again，theindolentreader，aswellasspectator，findsgreatadvantagefromboththese；for，astheyarenotobligedeithertoseetheoneorreadtheothers，andboththeplayandthebookarethusprotracted，bytheformertheyhaveaquarterofanhourlongerallowedthemtositatdinner，andbythelattertheyhavetheadvantageofbeginningtoreadatthefourthorfifthpageinsteadofthefirst，amatterbynomeansoftrivialconsequencetopersonswhoreadbookswithnootherviewthantosaytheyhavereadthem，amoregeneralmotivetoreadingthaniscommonlyimagined；andfromwhichnotonlylawbooks，andgoodbooks，butthepagesofHomerandVirgil，ofSwiftandCervantes，havebeenoftenturnedover。
Manyotheraretheemolumentswhicharisefromboththese，buttheyareforthemostpartsoobvious，thatweshallnotatpresentstaytoenumeratethem；especiallysinceitoccurstousthattheprincipalmeritofboththeprologueandtheprefaceisthattheybeshort。
Chapter2
Awhimsicaladventurewhichbefelthesquire，withthedistressedsituationofSophiaWemustnowconveythereadertoMr。Western’slodgings，whichwereinPiccadilly，wherehewasplacedbytherecommendationofthelandlordattheHerculesPillarsatHydeParkCorner；forattheinn，whichwasthefirsthesawonhisarrivalintown，heplacedhishorses，andinthoselodgings，whichwerethefirstheheardof，hedepositedhimself。
Here，whenSophiaalightedfromthehackney-coach，whichbroughtherfromthehouseofLadyBellaston，shedesiredtoretiretotheapartmentprovidedforher；towhichherfatherveryreadilyagreed，andwhitherheattendedherhimself。Ashortdialogue，neitherverymaterialnorpleasanttorelateminutely，thenpassedbetweenthem，inwhichhepressedhervehementlytogiveherconsenttothemarriagewithBlifil，who，asheacquaintedher，wastobeintowninafewdays；but，insteadofcomplying，shegaveamoreperemptoryandresoluterefusalthanshehadeverdonebefore。Thissoincensedherfather，thataftermanybittervows，thathewouldforcehertohavehimwhethershewouldorno，hedepartedfromherwithmanyhardwordsandcurses，lockedthedoor，andputthekeyintohispocket。
WhileSophiawasleftwithnoothercompanythanwhatattendthecloseststateprisoner，namely，fireandcandle，thesquiresatdowntoregalehimselfoverabottleofwine，withhisparsonandthelandlordoftheHerculesPillars，who，asthesquiresaid，wouldmakeanexcellentthirdman，andcouldinformthemofthenewsofthetown，andhowaffairswent；fortobesure，sayshe，heknowsagreatdeal，sincethehorsesofmanyofthequalitystandathishouse。
InthisagreeablesocietyMr。Westernpastthateveningandgreatpartofthesucceedingday，duringwhichperiodnothinghappenedofsufficientconsequencetofindaplaceinthishistory。AllthistimeSophiapastbyherself；forherfathersworesheshouldnevercomeoutofherchamberalive，unlessshefirstconsentedtomarryBlifil；nordidheeversufferthedoortobeunlocked，unlesstoconveyherfood，onwhichoccasionshealwaysattendedhimself。
Thesecondmorningafterhisarrival，whileheandtheparsonwereatbreakfasttogetheronatoastandtankard，hewasinformedthatagentlemanwasbelowtowaitonhim。
\"Agentleman！\"quoththesquire，\"whothedevilcanhebe？Do，doctor，godownandseewho’tis。Mr。Blifilcanhardlybecometotownyet-Godown，do，andknowwhathisbusinessis。\"
Thedoctorreturnedwithanaccountthatitwasaverywell-drestman，andbytheribboninhishathetookhimforanofficerofthearmy；thathesaidhehadsomeparticularbusiness，whichhecoulddelivertononebutMr。Westernhimself。
\"Anofficer！\"criesthesquire；\"whatcananysuchfellowhavetodowithme？Ifhewantsanorderforbaggage-waggons，Iamnojusticeofpeacehere，norcanIgrantawarrant-Letuncomeupthen，ifhemustspeaktome。\"
Averygenteelmannowenteredtheroom；who，havingmadehiscomplimentstothesquire，anddesiredthefavourofbeingalonewithhim，deliveredhimselfasfollows:-
\"Sir，IcometowaituponyoubythecommandofmyLordFellamar；
butwithaverydifferentmessagefromwhatIsupposeyouexpect，afterwhatpasttheothernight。\"
\"Mylordwho？\"criesthesquire；\"Ineverheardthenameo’un。\"
\"Hislordship，\"saidthegentleman，\"iswillingtoimputeeverythingtotheeffectofliquor，andthemosttriflingacknowledgmentofthatkindwillseteverythingright；forashehaththemostviolentattachmenttoyourdaughter，you，sir，arethelastpersonuponearthfromwhomhewouldresentanaffront；andhappyisitforyouboththathehathgivensuchpublicdemonstrationsofhiscourageastobeabletoputupanaffairofthiskindwithoutdangerofanyimputationonhishonour。Allhedesires，therefore，is，thatyouwillbeforememakesomeacknowledgment；theslightestintheworldwillbesufficient；andheintendsthisafternoontopayhisrespectstoyou，inordertoobtainyourleaveofvisitingtheyoungladyonthefootingofalover。\"
\"Idon’tunderstandmuchofwhatyousay，sir，\"saidthesquire；
\"butIsuppose，bywhatyoutalkaboutmydaughter，thatthisisthelordwhichmycousin，LadyBellaston，mentionedtome，andsaidsomethingabouthiscourtingmydaughter。Ifsobethathowthatbethecase-youmaygivemyservicetohislordship，andtellunthegirlisdisposedofalready。\"
\"Perhaps，sir，\"saidthegentleman，\"youarenotsufficientlyapprizedofthegreatnessofthisoffer。Ibelievesuchaperson，title，andfortunewouldbenowhererefused。\"
\"Lookee，sir，\"answeredthesquire；\"tobeveryplain，mydaughterisbespokealready；butifshewasnot，Iwouldnotmarryhertoalorduponanyaccount；Ihatealllords；theyareaparcelofcourtiersandHanoverians，andIwillhavenothingtodowiththem。\"
\"Well，sir，\"saidthegentleman，\"ifthatisyourresolution，themessageIamtodelivertoyouis，thatmylorddesiresthefavourofyourcompanythismorninginHydePark。\"
\"Youmaytellmylord，answeredthesquire，\"thatIambusyandcannotcome。Ihaveenoughtolookafterathome，andcan’tstirabroadonanyaccount。\"
\"Iamsure，sir，\"quoththeother，\"youaretoomuchagentlemantosendsuchamessage；youwillnot，Iamconvinced，haveitsaidofyou，that，afterhavingaffrontedanoblepeer，yourefusehimsatisfaction。Hislordshipwouldhavebeenwilling，fromhisgreatregardtotheyounglady，tohavemadeupmattersinanotherway；
butunlessheistolookonyouasafather，hishonourwillnotsufferhisputtingupsuchanindignityasyoumustbesensibleyouofferedhim。\"
\"Iofferedhim！\"criesthesquire；\"itisad——n’dlie！Ineverofferedhimanything。\"
Uponthesewordsthegentlemanreturnedaveryshortverbalrebuke，andthisheaccompaniedatthesametimewithsomemanualremonstrances，whichnosoonerreachedtheearsofMr。Western，thanthatworthysquirebegantocaperverybrisklyabouttheroom，bellowingatthesametimewithallhismight，asifdesiroustosummonagreaternumberofspectatorstobeholdhisagility。
Theparson，whohadleftgreatpartofthetankardunfinished，wasnotretiredfar；heimmediatelyattended，therefore，onthesquire’svociferation，crying，\"Blessme！sir，what’sthematter？\"-\"Matter！\"
quoththesquire，\"here’sahighwayman，Ibelieve，whowantstorobandmurderme-forhehathfallenuponmewiththatstickthereinhishand，whenIwishImaybed——n’difIgiduntheleastprovocation。\"
\"How，sir，\"saidthecaptain，\"didyounottellmeIlyed？\"
\"No，asIhopetobesaved，\"answeredthesquire，\"-IbelieveI
mightsay，’TwasaliethatIhadofferedanyaffronttomylord-butIneversaidtheword，’youlie。’-Iunderstandmyselfbetter，andyoumighthaveunderstoodyourselfbetterthantofalluponanakedman。
IfIhadastickinmyhand，youwouldnothavedaredstrikeme。I’dhaveknockedthylanternjawsaboutthyears。Comedownintoyardthisminute，andI’lltakeaboutwiththeeatsinglestickforabrokenhead，thatIwill；orIwillgointonakedroomandboxtheeforabelly-full。Atunthalfaman，atunt，I’msure。\"
Thecaptain，withsomeindignation，replied，\"Isee，sir，youarebelowmynotice，andIshallinformhislordshipyouarebelowhis。
IamsorryIhavedirtiedmyfingerswithyou。\"Atwhichwordshewithdrew，theparsoninterposingtopreventthesquirefromstoppinghim，inwhichheeasilyprevailed，astheother，thoughhemadesomeeffortsforthepurpose，didnotseemveryviolentlybentonsuccess。However，whenthecaptainwasdeparted，thesquiresentmanycursesandsomemenacesafterhim；butasthesedidnotsetoutfromhislipstilltheofficerwasatthebottomofthestairs，andgrewlouderandlouderashewasmoreandmoreremote，theydidnotreachhisears，oratleastdidnotretardhisdeparture。
PoorSophia，however，who，inherprison，heardallherfather’soutcriesfromfirsttolast，begannowfirsttothunderwithherfoot，andafterwardstoscreamasloudlyasthegentlemanhimselfhaddonebefore，thoughinamuchsweetervoice。Thesescreamssoonsilencedthesquire，andturnedallhisconsiderationtowardshisdaughter，whomhelovedsotenderly，thattheleastapprehensionofanyharmhappeningtoher，threwhimpresentlyintoagonies；for，exceptinthatsingleinstanceinwhichthewholefuturehappinessofherlifewasconcerned，shewassovereignmistressofhisinclinations。
Havingendedhisrageagainstthecaptain，withswearinghewouldtakethelawofhim，thesquirenowmountedupstairstoSophia，whom，assoonashehadunlockedandopenedthedoor，hefoundallpaleandbreathless。Themoment，however，thatshesawherfather，shecollectedallherspirits，and，catchinghimholdbythehand，shecryedpassionately，\"Omydearsir，Iamalmostfrightenedtodeath！I
hopetoheavennoharmhathhappenedtoyou。\"\"No，no，\"criesthesquire，\"nogreatharm。Therascalhathnothurtmemuch，butratmeifIdon’thathelao’un。\"\"Pray，dearsir，\"saysshe，\"tellmewhat’sthematter；whoisitthathathinsultedyou？\"\"Idon’tknowthenameo’un，\"answeredWestern；\"someofficerfellow，Isuppose，thatwearetopayforbeatingus；butI’llmakehimpaythisbout，iftherascalhathgotanything，whichIsupposehehathnot。Forthofhewasdrestoutsovine，Iquestionwhetherhehadgotavootoflandintheworld。\"\"But，dearsir，\"criesshe，\"whatwastheoccasionofyourquarrel？\"\"Whatshoulditbe，Sophy，\"answeredthesquire，\"butaboutyou，Sophy？Allmymisfortunesareaboutyou；youwillbethedeathofyourpoorfatheratlast。Here’savarletofalord，theLordknowswho，forsooth！whohathataanalikingtoyou，andbecauseI
wouldnotgiunmyconsent，hesentmeakallenge。Come，dobeagoodgirl，Sophy，andputanendtoallyourfather’stroubles；
come，doconsenttohaun；hewillbeintownwithinthisdayortwo；dobutpromisemetomarryunassoonashecomes，andyouwillmakemethehappiestmanintheworld，andIwillmakeyouthehappiestwoman；youshallhavethefinestcloathsinLondon，andthefinestjewels，andacoachandsixatyourcommand。IpromisedAllworthyalreadytogiveuphalfmyestate-odrabbetit！Ishouldhardlystickatgivingupthewhole。\"\"Willmypapabesokind，\"
saysshe，\"astohearmespeak？\"-\"Whywoutask，Sophy？\"crieshe，\"whendostknowIhadratherhearthyvoicethanthemusickofthebestpackofdogsinEngland-Hearthee，mydearlitlegirl！IhopeIshallheartheeaslongasIlive；forifIwasevertolosethatpleasure，Iwouldnotgeeabrassvardentoliveamomentlonger。
Indeed，Sophy，youdonotknowhowIloveyou，indeedyoudon’t，oryounevercouldhaverunawayandleftyourpoorfather，whohathnootherjoy，noothercomfortuponearth，buthislittleSophy。\"Atthesewordsthetearsstoodinhiseyes；andSophiawiththetearsstreamingfromhersanswered，\"Indeed，mydearpapa，Iknowyouhavelovedmetenderly，andheavenismywitnesshowsincerelyI
havereturnedyouraffection；norcouldanythingbutanapprehensionofbeingforcedintothearmsofthismanhavedrivenmetorunfromafatherwhomIlovesopassionately，thatIwould，withpleasure，sacrificemylifetohishappiness；nay，Ihaveendeavouredtoreasonmyselfintodoingmore，andhadalmostworkeduparesolutiontoendurethemostmiserableofalllives，tocomplywithyourinclination。ItwasthatresolutionalonetowhichIcouldnotforcemymind；norcanIever。\"Herethesquirebegantolookwild，andthefoamappearedathislips，whichSophiaobserving，beggedtobeheardout，andthenproceeded:\"Ifmyfather’slife，hishealth，oranyrealhappinessofhiswasatstake，herestandsyourresolveddaughter；mayheavenblastmeifthereisamiseryIwouldnotsuffertopreserveyou！-No，thatmostdetested，mostloathsomeofalllotswouldIembrace。IwouldgivemyhandtoBlifilforyoursake。\"-\"Itellthee，itwillpreserveme，\"answersthefather；\"itwillgivemehealth，happiness，life，everything-UponmysoulI
shalldieifdostrefuseme；Ishallbreakmyheart，Ishall，uponmysoul。\"-\"Isitpossible，\"saysshe，\"youcanhavesuchadesiretomakememiserable？\"-\"Itelltheenoa，\"answeredheloudly，\"d——nmeifthereisathinguponearthIwouldnotdotoseetheehappy。\"-
\"Andwillnotmydearpapaallowmetohavetheleastknowledgeofwhatwillmakemeso？Ifitbetruethathappinessconsistsinopinion，whatmustbemycondition，whenIshallthinkmyselfthemostmiserableofallthewretchesuponearth？\"\"Betterthinkyourselfso，\"
saidhe，\"thanknowitbybeingmarriedtoapoorbastardlyvagabond。\"
\"Ifitwillcontentyou，sir，\"saidSophia，\"Iwillgiveyouthemostsolemnpromisenevertomarryhim，noranyother，whilemypapalives，withouthisconsent。Letmededicatemywholelifetoyourservice；
letmebeagainyourpoorSophy，andmywholebusinessandpleasurebe，asithathbeen，topleaseanddivertyou。\"\"Lookee，Sophy，\"
answeredthesquire，\"Iamnottobechousedinthismanner。YourauntWesternwouldthenhavereasontothinkmethefoolshedoth。No，no，Sophy，I’dhaveyoutoknowIhaveagotmorewisdom，andknowmoreoftheworld，thantotakethewordofawomaninamatterwhereamanisconcerned。\"\"How，sir，haveIdeservedthiswantofconfidence？\"saidshe；\"haveIeverbrokeasinglepromisetoyou？
orhaveIeverbeenfoundguiltyofafalsehoodfrommycradle？\"
\"Lookee，Sophy，\"crieshe；\"that’sneitherherenorthere。Iamdetermineduponthismatch，andhavehimyoushall，d——nmeifshatunt。D——nmeifshatunt，thoughdosthangthyselfthenextmorning。\"
Atrepeatingwhichwordsheclinchedhisfist，knithisbrows，bithislips，andthunderedsoloud，thatthepoorafflicted，terrifiedSophiasunktremblingintoherchair，and，hadnotafloodoftearscomeimmediatelytoherrelief，perhapsworsehadfollowed。
WesternbeheldthedeplorableconditionofhisdaughterwithnomorecontritionorremorsethantheturnkeyofNewgatefeelsatviewingtheagoniesofatenderwife，whentakingherlastfarewellofhercondemnedhusband；orratherhelookeddownonherwiththesameemotionswhichariseinanhonestfairtradesman，whoseeshisdebtordraggedtoprisonforL10，which，thoughajustdebt，thewretchiswickedlyunabletopay。Or，tohitthecasestillmorenearly，hefeltthesamecompunctionwithabawd，whensomepoorinnocent，whomshehathensnaredintoherhands，fallsintofitsatthefirstproposalofwhatiscalledseeingcompany。Indeedthisresemblancewouldbeexact，wasitnotthatthebawdhathaninterestinwhatshedoth，andthefather，thoughperhapshemayblindlythinkotherwise，can，inreality，havenoneinurginghisdaughtertoalmostanequalprostitution。
InthisconditionhelefthispoorSophia，and，departingwithaveryvulgarobservationontheeffectoftears，helockedtheroom，andreturnedtotheparson，whosaideverythinghedurstinbehalfoftheyounglady，which，thoughperhapsitwasnotquitesomuchashisdutyrequired，yetwasitsufficienttothrowthesquireintoaviolentrage，andintomanyindecentreflectionsonthewholebodyoftheclergy，whichwehavetoogreatanhonourforthatsacredfunctiontocommittopaper。
Chapter3
WhathappenedtoSophiaduringherconfinementThelandladyofthehousewherethesquirelodgedhadbegunveryearlytoentertainastrangeopinionofherguests。However，asshewasinformedthatthesquirewasamanofvastfortune，andasshehadtakencaretoexactaveryextraordinarypriceforherrooms，shedidnotthinkpropertogiveanyoffence；for，thoughshewasnotwithoutsomeconcernfortheconfinementofpoorSophia，ofwhosegreatsweetnessoftemperandaffabilitythemaidofthehousehadmadesofavourableareport，whichwasconfirmedbyallthesquire’sservants，yetshehadmuchmoreconcernforherowninterest，thantoprovokeone，whom，asshesaid，sheperceivedtobeaveryhastishkindofagentleman。
ThoughSophiacatbutlittle，yetshewasregularlyservedwithhermeals；indeed，Ibelieve，ifshehadlikedanyonerarity，thatthesquire，howeverangry，wouldhavesparedneitherpainsnorcosttohaveprocureditforher；since，howeverstrangeitmayappeartosomeofmyreaders，hereallydoatedonhisdaughter，andtogiveheranykindofpleasurewasthehighestsatisfactionofhislife。
Thedinner-hourbeingarrived，BlackGeorgecarriedherupapullet，thesquirehimselfforhehadswornnottopartwiththekey
attendingthedoor。AsGeorgedepositedthedish，somecomplimentspassedbetweenhimandSophiaforhehadnotseenhersincesheleftthecountry，andshetreatedeveryservantwithmorerespectthansomepersonsshewtothosewhoareinaveryslightdegreetheirinferiors。Sophiawouldhavehadhimtakethepulletback，saying，shecouldnoteat；butGeorgebeggedhertotry，andparticularlyrecommendedtohertheeggs，ofwhichhesaiditwasfull。
Allthistimethesquirewaswaitingatthedoor；butGeorgewasagreatfavouritewithhismaster，ashisemploymentwasinconcernsofthehighestnature，namely，aboutthegame，andwasaccustomedtotakemanyliberties。Hehadofficiouslycarriedupthedinner，being，ashesaid，verydesiroustoseehisyounglady；hemadethereforenoscrupleofkeepinghismasterstandingabovetenminutes，whilecivilitieswerepassingbetweenhimandSophia，forwhichhereceivedonlyagood-humouredrebukeatthedoorwhenhereturned。
Theeggsofpullets，partridges，pheasants，&c。，were，asGeorgewellknew，themostfavouritedaintiesofSophia。Itwasthereforenowonderthathe，whowasaverygood-naturedfellow，shouldtakecaretosupplyherwiththiskindofdelicacy，atatimewhenalltheservantsinthehousewereafraidshewouldbestarved；forshehadscarceswallowedasinglemorselinthelastfortyhours。
Thoughvexationhathnotthesameeffectonallpersonsasitusuallyhathonawidow，whoseappetiteitoftenrenderssharperthanitcanberenderedbytheaironBanstedDowns，orSalisburyPlain；yetthesublimestgrief，notwithstandingwhatsomepeoplemaysaytothecontrary，willeatatlast。AndSophia，herself，aftersomelittleconsideration，begantodissectthefowl，whichshefoundtobeasfullofeggsasGeorgehadreportedit。
But，ifshewaspleasedwiththese，itcontainedsomethingwhichwouldhavedelightedtheRoyalSocietymuchmore；forifafowlwiththreelegsbesoinvaluableacuriosity，whenperhapstimehathproducedathousandsuch，atwhatpriceshallweesteemabirdwhichsototallycontradictsallthelawsofanimaloecconomy，astocontainaletterinitsbelly？OvidtellsusofaflowerintowhichHyacinthuswasmetamorphosed，thatbearslettersonitsleaves，whichVirgilrecommendedasamiracletotheRoyalSocietyofhisday；butnoagenornationhatheverrecordedabirdwithaletterinitsmaw。
ButthoughamiracleofthiskindmighthaveengagedalltheAcademiesdesSciencesinEurope，andperhapsinafruitlessinquiry；yetthereader，bybarelyrecollectingthelastdialoguewhichpassedbetweenMessieursJonesandPartridge，willbeveryeasilysatisfiedfromwhencethislettercame，andhowitfounditspassageintothefowl。
Sophia，notwithstandingherlongfast，andnotwithstandingherfavouritedishwastherebeforeher，nosoonersawtheletterthansheimmediatelysnatcheditup，toreitopen，andreadasfollows:-
MADAM，WasInotsensibletowhomIhavethehonourofwriting，Ishouldendeavour，howeverdifficult，topaintthehorrorsofmymindattheaccountbroughtmebyMrs。Honour；butastendernessalonecanhaveanytrueideaofthepangswhichtendernessiscapableoffeeling，socanthismostamiablequality，whichmySophiapossessesinthemosteminentdegree，sufficientlyinformherwhatherJonesmusthavesufferedonthismelancholyoccasion。Isthereacircumstanceintheworldwhichcanheightenmyagonies，whenIhearofanymisfortunewhichhathbefallenyou？Surelythereisoneonly，andwiththatIamaccursed。Itis，mySophia，thedreadfulconsiderationthatIammyselfthewretchedcause。PerhapsIheredomyselftoomuchhonour，butnonewillenvymeanhonourwhichcostsmesoextremelydear。Pardonmethispresumption，andpardonmeagreaterstill，ifIaskyou，whethermyadvice，myassistance，mypresence，myabsence，mydeath，ormytorturescanbringyouanyrelief？CanthemostPerfectadmiration，themostwatchfulobservance，themostardentlove，themostmeltingtenderness，themostresignedsubmissiontoyourwill，makeyouamendsforwhatyouaretosacrificetomyhappiness？Iftheycan，fly，mylovelyangel，tothosearmswhichareeveropentoreceiveandprotectyou；andtowhich，whetheryoubringyourselfalone，ortherichesoftheworldwithyou，is，inmyopinion，analternativenotworthregarding。If，onthecontrary，wisdomshallpredominate，and，onthemostmaturereflection，informyou，thatthesacrificeistoogreat；andiftherebenowaylefttoreconcileyourfather，andrestorethepeaceofyourdearmind，butbyabandoningme，Iconjureyoudrivemeforeverfromyourthoughts，exertyourresolution，andletnocompassionformysufferingsbeartheleastweightinthattenderbosom。Believeme，madam，Isosincerelyloveyoubetterthanmyself，thatmygreatandprincipalendisyourhappiness。Myfirstwishwhywouldnotfortuneindulgemeinit？was，andpardonmeifIsay，stillis，toseeyoueverymomentthehappiestofwomen；mysecondwishis，tohearyouareso；butnomiseryonearthcanequalmine，whileIthinkyouoweanuneasymomenttohimwhois，Madam，ineverysense，andtoeverypurpose，yourdevoted，THOMASJONES
WhatSophiasaid，ordid，orthought，uponthisletter，howoftenshereadit，orwhethermorethanonce，shallallbelefttoourreader’simagination。Theanswertoithemayperhapsseehereafter，butnotatpresent:forthisreason，amongothers，thatshedidnotnowwriteany，andthatforseveralgoodcauses，oneofwhichwasthis，shehadnopaper，pen，norink。
Intheevening，whileSophiawasmeditatingonthelettershehadreceived，oronsomethingelse，aviolentnoisefrombelowdisturbedhermeditations。Thisnoisewasnootherthanaroundboutataltercationbetweentwopersons。Oneofthecombatants，byhisvoice，sheimmediatelydistinguishedtobeherfather；butshedidnotsosoondiscovertheshrillerpipestobelongtotheorganofherauntWestern，whowasjustarrivedintown，wherehaving，bymeansofoneofherservants，whostoptattheHerculesPillars，learnedwhereherbrotherlodged，shedrovedirectlytohislodgings。
WeshallthereforetakeourleaveatpresentofSophia，and，withourusualgood-breeding，attendherladyship。
Chapter4
InwhichSophiaisdeliveredfromherconfinementThesquireandtheparsonforthelandlordwasnowotherwiseengagedweresmoakingtheirpipestogether，whenthearrivaloftheladywasfirstsignified。Thesquirenosoonerheardhername，thanheimmediatelyrandowntousherherupstairs；forhewasagreatobserverofsuchceremonials，especiallytohissister，ofwhomhestoodmoreinawethanofanyotherhumancreature，thoughheneverwouldownthis，nordidheperhapsknowithimself。
Mrs。Western，onherarrivalinthediningroom，havingflungherselfintoachair，beganthustoharangue:\"Well，surely，nooneeverhadsuchanintolerablejourney。Ithinktheroads，sincesomanyturnpikeacts，aregrownworsethanever。La，brother，howcouldyougetintothisodiousplace？nopersonofcondition，Idareswear，eversetfootherebefore。\"\"Idon’tknow，\"criesthesquire，\"Ithinktheydowellenough；itwaslandlordrecommendedthem。Ithought，asheknewmostofthequality，hecouldbestshewmewheretogetamongum。\"\"Well，andwhere’smyniece？\"saysthelady；\"haveyoubeentowaituponLadyBellastonyet？\"\"Ay，ay，\"criesthesquire，\"yournieceissafeenough；sheisupstairsinchamber。\"How！\"answeredthelady，\"ismynieceinthishouse，anddoesshenotknowofmybeinghere？\"\"No，nobodycanwellgettoher，\"saysthesquire，\"forsheisunderlockandkey。Ihavehersafe；IvetchedherfrommyladycousinthefirstnightIcametotown，andIhavetakencareo’hereversince；sheisassecureasafoxinabag，Ipromiseyou。\"
\"Goodheaven！\"returnedMrs。Western，\"whatdoIhear？Ithoughtwhatafinepieceofworkwouldbetheconsequenceofmyconsenttoyourcomingtotownyourself！nay，itwasindeedyourownheadstrongwill，norcanIchargemyselfwithhavingeverconsentedtoit。Didnotyoupromiseme，brother，thatyouwouldtakenoneoftheseheadstrongmeasures？Wasitnotbytheseheadstrongmeasuresthatyouforcedmyniecetorunawayfromyouinthecountry？Haveyouamindtoobligehertotakesuchanotherstep？\"\"Z——dsandthedevil！\"criesthesquire，dashinghispipeontheground；\"didevermortalhearthelike？whenIexpectedyouwouldhavecommendedmeforallIhavedone，tobefallenuponinthismanner！\"\"How，brother！\"saidthelady，\"haveIevergivenyoutheleastreasontoimagineIshouldcommendyouforlockingupyourdaughter？HaveI
notoftentoldyouthatwomeninafreecountryarenottobetreatedwithsucharbitrarypower？Weareasfreeasthemen，andI
heartilywishIcouldnotsaywedeservethatfreedombetter。IfyouexpectIshouldstayamomentlongerinthiswretchedhouse，orthatI
shouldeverownyouagainasmyrelation，orthatIshouldevertroublemyselfagainwiththeaffairsofyourfamily，Iinsistuponitthatmyniecebesetatlibertythisinstant。\"Thisshespokewithsocommandinganair，standingwithherbacktothefire，withonehandbehindher，andapinchofsnuffintheother，thatIquestionwhetherThalestris，attheheadofherAmazons，evermadeamoretremendousfigure。Itisnowonder，therefore，thatthepoorsquirewasnotproofagainsttheawewhichsheinspired。\"There，\"hecried，throwingdownthekey，\"thereitis，dowhateveryouplease。I
intendedonlytohavekeptheruptillBlifilcametotown，whichcan’tbelong；andnowifanyharmhappensinthemeantime，rememberwhoistobeblamedforit。\"
\"Iwillansweritwithmylife，\"criesMrs。Western，\"butIshallnotintermeddleatall，unlessupononecondition，andthatis，thatyouwillcommitthewholeentirelytomycare，withouttakinganyonemeasureyourself，unlessIshalleventuallyappointyoutoact。Ifyouratifythesepreliminaries，brother。Iyetwillendeavourtopreservethehonourofyourfamily；ifnot，Ishallcontinueinaneutralstate。\"
\"Iprayyou，goodsir，\"saidtheparson，\"permityourselfthisoncetobeadmonishedbyherladyship:peradventure，bycommuningwithyoungMadamSophia，shewilleffectmorethanyouhavebeenabletoperpetratebymorerigorousmeasures。\"
\"What，dosttheeopenuponme？\"criesthesquire:\"iftheedostbegintobabble，Ishallwhiptheeinpresently。\"
\"Fie，brother，\"answeredthelady，\"isthislanguagetoaclergyman？
Mr。Suppleisamanofsense，andgivesyouthebestadvice；andthewholeworld，Ibelieve，willconcurinhisopinion；butImusttellyouIexpectanimmediateanswertomycategoricalproposals。Eithercedeyourdaughtertomydisposal，ortakeherwhollytoyourownsurprizingdiscretion，andthenIhere，beforeMr。Supple，evacuatethegarrison，andrenounceyouandyourfamilyforever。\"
\"Iprayyouletmebeamediator，\"criestheparson，\"letmesupplicateyou。\"
\"Why，thereliesthekeyonthetable，\"criesthesquire。\"Shemaytakeunup，ifshepleases:whohindersher？\"
\"No，brother，\"answeredthelady，\"Iinsistontheformalityofitsbeingdeliveredme，withafullratificationofalltheconcessionsstipulated。\"
\"WhythenIwilldeliverittoyou-There’tis，\"criesthesquire。
\"Iamsure，sister，youcan’taccusemeofeverdenyingtotrustmydaughtertoyou。Shehatha-livedwi’youawholeyearandmuoretoatime，withoutmyeverzeeingher。\"
\"Anditwouldhavebeenhappyforher，\"answeredthelady，\"ifshehadalwayslivedwithme。Nothingofthiskindwouldhavehappenedundermyeye。\"
\"Ay，certainly，\"crieshe，\"Ionlyamtoblame。\"
\"Why，youaretoblame，brother，\"answeredshe。\"Ihavebeenoftenobligedtotellyouso，andshallalwaysbeobligedtotellyouso。
However，Ihopeyouwillnowamend，andgathersomuchexperiencefrompasterrors，asnottodefeatmywisestmachinationsbyyourblunders。
Indeed，brother，youarenotqualifiedforthesenegociations。Allyourwholeschemeofpoliticsiswrong。Ioncemore，therefore，insist，thatyoudonotintermeddle。Rememberonlywhatispast。\"——
\"Z——dsandbl-d，sister，\"criesthesquire，whatwouldyouhavemesay？Youareenoughtoprovokethedevil。\"
\"There，now，\"saidshe，\"justaccordingtotheoldcustom。Isee，brother，thereisnotalkingtoyou。IwillappealtoMr。Supple，whoisamanofsense，ifIsaidanythingwhichcouldputanyhumancreatureintoapassion；butyouaresowrongheadedeveryway。\"
\"Letmebegyou，madam，\"saidtheparson，nottoirritatehisworship。\"
\"Irritatehim？\"saidthelady；\"sure，youareasgreatafoolashimself。Well，brother，sinceyouhavepromisednottointerfere，I
willoncemoreundertakethemanagementofmyniece。Lordhavemercyuponallaffairswhichareunderthedirectionsofmen！Theheadofonewomanisworthathousandofyours。\"AndnowhavingsummonedaservanttoshowhertoSophia，shedeparted，bearingthekeywithher。
Shewasnosoonergone，thanthesquirehavingfirstshutthedoor
ejaculatedtwentybitches，andasmanyheartycursesagainsther，notsparinghimselfforhavingeverthoughtofherestate；butadded，\"Nowonehathbeenaslavesolong，itwouldbepitytoloseitatlast，forwantofholdingoutalittlelonger。Thebitchcan’tliveforever，andIknowIamdownforituponthewill。\"
Theparsongreatlycommendedthisresolution:andnowthesquirehavingorderedinanotherbottle，whichwashisusualmethodwhenanythingeitherpleasedorvexedhim，did，bydrinkingplentifullyofthismedicinaljulap，sototallywashawayhischoler，thathistemperwasbecomeperfectlyplacidandserene，whenMrs。WesternreturnedwithSophiaintotheroom。Theyoungladyhadonherhatandcapuchin，andtheauntacquaintedMr。Western，\"thatsheintendedtotakeherniecewithhertoherownlodgings；for，indeed，brother，\"saysshe，\"theseroomsarenotfittoreceiveaChristiansoulin。\"
\"Verywell，madam，\"quothWestern，\"whateveryouplease。Thegirlcanneverbeinbetterhandsthanyours；andtheparsonherecandomethejusticetosay，thatIhavesaidfiftytimesbehindyourback，thatyouwasoneofthemostsensiblewomenintheworld。\"
\"Tothis，\"criestheparson，\"Iamreadytobeartestimony。\"
\"Nay，brother，\"saysMrs。Western，\"Ihavealways，I’msure，givenyouasfavourableacharacter。Youmustownyouhavealittletoomuchhastinessinyourtemper；butwhenyouwillallowyourselftimetoreflect，Ineverknewamanmorereasonable。\"
\"Whythen，sister，ifyouthinkso，\"saidthesquire，\"here’syourgoodhealthwithallmyheart。Iamalittlepassionatesometimes，butIscorntobearanymalice。Sophy，doyoubeagoodgirl，anddoeverythingyourauntordersyou。\"
\"Ihavenottheleastdoubtofher，\"answeredMrs。Western。\"ShehathhadalreadyanexamplebeforehereyesinthebehaviourofthatwretchhercousinHarriet，whoruinedherselfbyneglectingmyadvice。
Obrother，whatthinkyou？Youwashardlygoneoutofhearing，whenyousetoutforLondon，whenwhoshouldarrivebutthatimpudentfellowwiththeodiousIrishname-thatFitzpatrick。Hebrokeinabruptlyuponmewithoutnotice，orIwouldnothaveseenhim。Heranonalong，unintelligiblestoryabouthiswife，towhichheforcedmetogivehimahearing；butImadehimverylittleanswer，anddeliveredhimtheletterfromhiswife，whichIbidhimanswerhimself。Isupposethewretchwillendeavourtofindusout，butIbegyouwillnotseeher，forIamdeterminedIwillnot。\"
\"Izeeher！\"answeredthesquire；\"youneednotfearme。I’llgenoencouragementtosuchundutifulwenches。Itiswellforthefellow，herhusband，Iwasnotathuome。Odrabbitit，heshouldhavetakenadancethruthehorse-pond，Ipromiseun。Youzee，Sophy，whatundutifulnessbringsvolksto。Youhaveanexampleinyourownfamily。\"
\"Brother，\"criestheaunt，\"youneednotshockmyniecebysuchodiousrepetitions。Whywillyounotleaveeverythingentirelytome？\"
\"Well，well，Iwull，Iwull，\"saidthesquire。
AndnowMrs。Western，luckilyforSophia，putanendtotheconversationbyorderingchairstobecalled。Isayluckily，forhaditcontinuedmuchlonger，freshmatterofdissensionwould，mostprobably，havearisenbetweenthebrotherandsister；betweenwhomeducationandsexmadetheonlydifference；forbothwereequallyviolentandequallypositive:theyhadbothavastaffectionforSophia，andbothasovereigncontemptforeachother。