\"Forthesereasons，mybestneighbour，asIseetheinclinationsofthisyoungladyaremostunhappilyaversetomynephew，Imustdeclineanyfurtherthoughtsofthehonouryouintendedhim，thoughIassureyouIshallalwaysretainthemostgratefulsenseofit。\"
\"Well，sir，\"saidWesternthefrothburstingforthfromhislipsthemomenttheywereuncorked，\"youcannotsaybutIhaveheardyouout，andnowIexpectyou’llhearme；andifIdon’tanswereverywordon’t，whythenI’llconsenttogeethematterup。Firstthen，Idesireyoutoanswermeonequestion-DidnotIbegether？didnotIbegether？answermethat。Theysay，indeed，itisawisefatherthatknowshisownchild；butIamsureIhavethebesttitletoher，forI
bredherup。ButIbelieveyouwillallowmetobeherfather，andifIbe，amInottogovernmyownchild？Iaskyouthat，amInottogovernmyownchild？andifIamtogovernherinothermatters，surelyIamtogovernherinthis，whichconcernshermost。AndwhatamIdesiringallthiswhile？AmIdesiringhertodoanythingforme:
togivemeanything？-Zumuchont’otherside，thatIamonlydesiringhertotakeawayhalfmyestatenow，andt’otherhalfwhenIdie。Well，andwhatisitallvor？Why，isuntittomakeherhappy？
It’senoughtomakeonemadtohearvolkstalk；ifIwasgoingtomarrymyself，thenshewouldhareasontocryandtoblubber；but，onthecontrary，han’tIofferedtobinddownmylandinsuchamanner，thatIcouldnotmarryifIwould，seeingasnarro’womanuponearthwouldhame。WhatthedevilinhellcanIdomore？I
contributetoherdamnation！-Zounds！I’dzeealltheworldd——n’dbevoreherlittlevingershouldbehurt。Indeed，Mr。Allworthy，youmustexcuseme，butIamsurprizedtohearyoutalkinzuchamanner，andImustsay，takeithowyouwill，thatIthoughtyouhadmoresense。\"
Allworthyresentedthisreflectiononlywithasmile；norcouldhe，ifhewouldhaveendeavouredit，haveconveyedintothatsmileanymixtureofmaliceorcontempt。Hissmilesatfollywereindeedsuchaswemaysupposetheangelsbestowontheabsurditiesofmankind。
Blifilnowdesiredtobepermittedtospeakafewwords。\"Astousinganyviolenceontheyounglady，IamsureIshallneverconsenttoit。Myconsciencewillnotpermitmetouseviolenceonanyone，muchlessonaladyforwhom，howevercruelsheistome，Ishallalwayspreservethepurestandsincerestaffection；butyetIhavereadthatwomenareseldomproofagainstperseverance。WhymayInothopethenbysuchperseveranceatlasttogainthoseinclinations，inwhichforthefutureIshall，perhaps，havenorival；forasforthislord，Mr。Westernissokindtoprefermetohim；andsure，sir，youwillnotdenybutthataparenthathatleastanegativevoiceinthesematters；nay，Ihaveheardthisveryyoungladyherselfsaysomorethanonce，anddeclarethatshethoughtchildreninexcusablewhomarriedindirectoppositiontothewilloftheirparents。Besides，thoughtheotherladiesofthefamilyseemtofavourthepretensionsofmylord，Idonotfindtheladyherselfisinclinedtogivehimanycountenance；alas！Iamtoowellassuredsheisnot；I
amtoosensiblethatwickedestofmenremainsuppermostinherheart。\"
\"Ay，ay，sohedoes，\"criesWestern。
\"Butsurely，\"saysBlifil，\"whenshehearsofthismurderwhichhehathcommitted，ifthelawshouldsparehislife——\"
\"What’sthat？\"criesWestern。\"Murder！hathhecommittedamurder，andisthereanyhopesofseeinghimhanged？-Tolderol，tollolderol。\"Herehefellasingingandcaperingabouttheroom。
\"Child，\"saysAllworthy，\"thisunhappypassionofyoursdistressesmebeyondmeasure。Iheartilypityyou，andwoulddoeveryfairthingtopromoteyoursuccess。\"
\"Idesirenomore，\"criesBlifil；\"IamconvincedmydearunclehathabetteropinionofmethantothinkthatImyselfwouldacceptofmore。\"
\"Lookee，\"saysAllworthy，\"youhavemyleavetowrite，tovisit，ifshewillpermitit-butIinsistonnothoughtsofviolence。I
willhavenoconfinement，nothingofthatkindattempted。\"
\"Well，well，\"criesthesquire，\"nothingofthatkindshallbeattempted；wewilltryalittlelongerwhatfairmeanswilleffect；
andifthisfellowbebuthangedoutoftheway-Tollolderol！I
neverheardbetternewsinmylife-Iwarranteverythinggoestomymind-Do，prithee，dearAllworthy，comeanddinewithmeattheHerculesPillars:Ihavebespokeashoulderofmuttonroasted，andaspare-ribofpork，andafowlandegg-sauce。Therewillbenobodybutourselves，unlesswehaveamindtohavethelandlord；forI
havesentParsonSuppledowntoBasingstokeaftermytobacco-box，whichIleftataninnthere，andIwouldnotloseitfortheworld；
foritisanoldacquaintanceofabovetwentyyears’standing。Icantellyoulandlordisavastcomicalbitch，youwilllikeunhugely。\"
Mr。Allworthyatlastagreedtothisinvitation，andsoonafterthesquirewentoff，singingandcaperingatthehopesofseeingthespeedytragicalendofpoorJones。
Whenhewasgone，Mr。Allworthyresumedtheaforesaidsubjectwithmuchgravity。Hetoldhisnephew，\"Hewishedwithallhishearthewouldendeavourtoconquerapassion，inwhichIcannot，\"sayshe，\"flatteryouwithanyhopesofsucceeding。Itiscertainlyavulgarerror，thataversioninawomanmaybeconqueredbyperseverance。
Indifferencemay，perhaps，sometimesyieldtoit；buttheusualtriumphsgainedbyperseverenceinaloverareovercaprice，prudence，affectation，andoftenanexorbitantdegreeoflevity，whichexciteswomennotover-warmintheirconstitutionstoindulgetheirvanitybyprolongingthetimeofcourtship，evenwhentheyarewellenoughpleasedwiththeobject，andresolveiftheyeverresolveatall
tomakehimaverypitifulamendsintheend。Butafixeddislike，asIamafraidthisis，willrathergatherstrengththanbeconqueredbytime。Besides，mydear，Ihaveanotherapprehensionwhichyoumustexcuse。Iamafraidthispassionwhichyouhaveforthisfineyoungcreaturehathherbeautifulpersontoomuchforitsobject，andisunworthyofthenameofthatlovewhichistheonlyfoundationofmatrimonialfelicity。Toadmire，tolike，andtolongforthepossessionofabeautifulwoman，withoutanyregardtohersentimentstowardsus，is，Iamafraid，toonatural；butlove，I
believe，isthechildofloveonly；atleast，Iamprettyconfidentthattolovethecreaturewhoweareassuredhatesusisnotinhumannature。Examineyourheart，therefore，thoroughly，mygoodboy，andif，uponexamination，youhavebuttheleastsuspicionofthiskind，Iamsureyourownvirtueandreligionwillimpelyoutodrivesoviciousapassionfromyourheart，andyourgoodsensewillsoonenableyoutodoitwithoutpain。\"
ThereadermayprettywellguessBlifil’sanswer；but，ifheshouldbeataloss，wearenotatpresentatleisuretosatisfyhim，asourhistorynowhastensontomattersofhigherimportance，andwecannolongerbeartobeabsentfromSophia。
Chapter4
AnextraordinaryscenebetweenSophiaandherauntThelowingheiferandthebleatingewe，inherdsandflocks，mayramblesafeandunregardedthroughthepastures。Theseare，indeed，hereafterdoomedtobethepreyofman；yetmanyyearsaretheysufferedtoenjoytheirlibertyundisturbed。Butifaplumpdoebediscoveredtohaveescapedfromtheforest，andtoreposeherselfinsomefieldorgrove，thewholeparishispresentlyalarmed，everymanisreadytosetdogsafterher；and，ifsheispreservedfromtherestbythegoodsquire，itisonlythathemaysecureherforhisowneating。
Ihaveoftenconsideredaveryfineyoungwomanoffortuneandfashion，whenfirstfoundstrayedfromthepaleofhernursery，tobeinprettymuchthesamesituationwiththisdoe。Thetownisimmediatelyinanuproar；sheishuntedfromparktoplay，fromcourttoassembly，fromassemblytoherownchamber，andrarelyescapesasingleseasonfromthejawsofsomedevourerorother；
for，ifherfriendsprotectherfromsome，itisonlytodeliverherovertooneoftheirownchusing，ofmoredisagreeabletoherthananyoftherest；whilewholeherdsorflocksofotherwomensecurely，andscarceregarded，traversethepark，theplay，theopera，andtheassembly；andthough，forthemostpartatleast，theyareatlastdevoured，yetforalongtimedotheywantoninliberty，withoutdisturbanceorcontroul。
OfalltheseparagonsnoneevertastedmoreofthispersecutionthanpoorSophia。HerillstarswerenotcontentedwithallthatshehadsufferedonaccountofBlifil，theynowraisedheranotherpursuer，whoseemedlikelytotormenthernolessthantheotherhaddone。
Forthoughherauntwaslessviolent，shewasnolessassiduousinteizingher，thanherfatherhadbeenbefore。
Theservantswerenosoonerdepartedafterdinner，thanMrs。
Western，whohadopenedthemattertoSophia，informedher，\"Thatsheexpectedhislordshipthatveryafternoon，andintendedtotakethefirstopportunityofleavingheralonewithhim。\"\"Ifyoudo，madam，\"answeredSophia，withsomespirit，\"Ishalltakethefirstopportunityofleavinghimbyhimself。\"\"How！madam！\"criestheaunt；\"isthisthereturnyoumakemeformykindnessinrelievingyoufromyourconfinementatyourfather’s？\"\"Youknow，madam，\"saidSophia，\"thecauseofthatconfinementwasarefusaltocomplywithmyfatherinacceptingamanIdetested，andwillmydearaunt，whohathrelievedmefromthatdistress，involvemeinanotherequallybad？\"\"Anddoyouthinkthen，madam，\"answeredMrs。Western，thatthereisnodifferencebetweenmyLordFellamarandMr。Blifil？\"\"Verylittle，inmyopinion，\"criesSophia；\"and，ifImustbecondemnedtoone，Iwouldcertainlyhavethemeritofsacrificingmyselftomyfather’spleasure。\"\"Thenmypleasure，Ifind，\"saidtheaunt，\"hathverylittleweightwithyou；butthatconsiderationshallnotmoveme。
Iactfromnoblermotives。Theviewofaggrandizingmyfamily，ofennoblingyourself，iswhatIproceedupon。Haveyounosenseofambition？Aretherenocharmsinthethoughtsofhavingacoronetonyourcoach？\"\"None，uponmyhonour，\"saidSophia。\"Apincushionuponmycoachwouldpleasemejustaswell。\"\"Nevermentionhonour，\"
criestheaunt。\"Itbecomesnotthemouthofsuchawretch。Iamsorry，niece，youforcemetousethesewords，butIcannotbearyourgrovelingtemper；youhavenoneofthebloodoftheWesternsinyou。But，howevermeanandbaseyourownideasare，youshallbringnoimputationonmine。IwillneversuffertheworldtosayofmethatIencouragedyouinrefusingoneofthebestmatchesinEngland；amatchwhich，besidesitsadvantageinfortune，woulddohonourtoalmostanyfamily，andhath，indeed，intitle，theadvantageofours。\"
\"Surely，\"saysSophia，\"Iamborndeficient，andhavenotthesenseswithwhichotherpeopleareblessed；theremustbecertainlysomesensewhichcanrelishthedelightsofsoundandshow，whichIhavenot；forsurelymankindwouldnotlaboursomuch，norsacrificesomuchfortheobtaining，norwouldtheybesoelateandproudwithpossessing，whatappearedtothem，asitdothtome，themostinsignificantofalltrifles。\"
\"No，no，miss，\"criestheaunt；\"youarebornwithasmanysensesasotherpeople；butIassureyou，youarenotbornwithasufficientunderstandingtomakeafoolofme，ortoexposemyconducttotheworld；soIdeclarethistoyou，uponmyword，andyouknow，I
believe，howfixedmyresolutionsare，unlessyouagreetoseehislordshipthisafternoon，Iwill，withmyownhands，deliveryouto-morrowmorningtomybrother，andwillneverhenceforthinterferewithyou，norseeyourfaceagain。\"Sophiastoodafewmomentssilentafterthisspeech，whichwasutteredinamostangryandperemptorytone；andthen，burstingintotears，shecryed，\"Dowithme，madam，whateveryouplease；Iamthemostmiserableundonewretchuponearth；ifmydearauntforsakesme，whereshallIlookforaprotector？\"\"Mydearniece，\"criesshe，\"youwillhaveaverygoodprotectorinhislordship；aprotectorwhomnothingbutahankeringafterthatvilefellowJonescanmakeyoudecline。\"\"Indeed，madam，\"
saidSophia，\"youwrongme。Howcanyouimagine，afterwhatyouhaveshewnme，ifIhadeveranysuchthoughts，thatIshouldnotbanishthemforever？Ifitwillsatisfyyou，Iwillreceivethesacramentuponitnevertoseehisfaceagain。\"\"But，child，dearchild，\"saidtheaunt，\"bereasonable；canyouinventasingleobjection？\"\"I
havealready，Ithink，toldyouasufficientobjectionansweredSophia。\"What？\"criestheaunt；\"Iremembernone。\"\"Sure，madam，\"saidSophia，\"Itoldyouhehadusedmeintherudestandvilestmanner。\"
\"Indeed，child，\"answeredshe，\"Ineverheardyou，ordidnotunderstandyou:-butwhatdoyoumeanbythisrude，vilemanner？\"
\"Indeed，madam，saidSophia，\"Iamalmostashamedtotellyou。Hecaughtmeinhisarms，pulledmedownuponthesettee，andthrusthishandintomybosom，andkisseditwithsuchviolencethatIhavethemarkuponmyleftbreastatthismoment。\"\"Indeed！\"saidMrs。
Western。\"Yes，indeed，madam，\"answeredSophia；\"myfatherluckilycameinatthatinstant，orHeavenknowswhatrudenessheintendedtohaveproceededto。\"\"Iamastonishedandconfounded，\"criestheaunt。\"NowomanofthenameofWesternhathbeenevertreatedsosincewewereafamily。Iwouldhavetorntheeyesofaprinceout，ifhehadattemptedsuchfreedomswithme。Itisimpossible！sure，Sophia，youmustinventthistoraisemyindignationagainsthim。\"\"Ihope，madam，\"saidSophia，\"youhavetoogoodanopinionofmetoimaginemecapableoftellinganuntruth。Uponmysoulitistrue。\"\"Ishouldhavestabbedhimtotheheart，hadIbeenpresent，\"returnedtheaunt。
\"Yetsurelyhecouldhavenodishonourabledesign；itisimpossible！
hedurstnot:besides，hisproposalsshewhehathnot；fortheyarenotonlyhonourable，butgenerous。Idon’tknow；theageallowstoogreatfreedoms。AdistantsaluteisallIwouldhaveallowedbeforetheceremony。Ihavehadloversformerly，notsolongagoneither；
severallovers，thoughIneverwouldconsenttomarriage，andI
neverencouragedtheleastfreedom。Itisafoolishcustom，andwhatI
neverwouldagreeto。Nomankissedmoreofmethanmycheek。Itisasmuchasonecanbringoneselftogivelipsuptoahusband；and，indeed，couldIeverhavebeenpersuadedtomarry，IbelieveI
shouldnothavesoonbeenbroughttoenduresomuch。\"\"Youwillpardonme，dearmadam，\"saidSophia，\"ifImakeoneobservation:youownyouhavehadmanylovers，andtheworldknowsit，evenifyoushoulddenyit。Yourefusedthemall，and，Iamconvinced，onecoronetatleastamongthem。\"\"Yousaytrue，dearSophy，\"answeredshe；\"Ihadoncetheofferofatitle。\"\"Why，then，\"saidSophia，\"willyounotsuffermetorefusethisonce？\"\"Itistrue，child，saidshe，\"I
haverefusedtheofferofatitle；butitwasnotsogoodanoffer；
thatis，notsovery，verygoodanoffer。\"-\"Yes，madam，\"saidSophia；\"butyouhavehadverygreatproposalsfrommenofvastfortunes。Itwasnotthefirst，northesecond，northethirdadvantageousmatchthatoffereditself。\"\"Iownitwasnot，\"saidshe。
\"Well，madam，\"continuedSophia，\"andwhymaynotIexpecttohaveasecond，perhaps，betterthanthis？Youarenowbutayoungwoman，andIamconvincedwouldnotpromisetoyieldtothefirstloveroffortune，nay，oroftitletoo。Iamaveryyoungwoman，andsureI
neednotdespair。\"\"Well，mydear，dearSophy，\"criestheaunt，\"whatwouldyouhavemesay？\"\"Why，IonlybegthatImaynotbeleftalone，atleastthisevening；grantmethat，andIwillsubmit，ifyouthink，afterwhatispast，Ioughttoseehiminyourcompany。\"
\"Well，Iwillgrantit，\"criestheaunt。\"Sophy，youknowIloveyou，andcandenyyounothing。Youknowtheeasinessofmynature；I
havenotalwaysbeensoeasy。Ihavebeenformerlythoughtcruel；bythemen，Imean。IwascalledthecruelParthenissa。IhavebrokemanyawindowthathashadversestothecruelParthenissainit。Sophy，Iwasneversohandsomeasyou，andyetIhadsomethingyouformerly。Iamalittlealtered。Kingdomsandstates，asTullyCicerosaysinhisepistles，undergoalterations，andsomustthehumanform。\"Thusrunsheonfornearhalfanhouruponherself，andherconquests，andhercruelty，tillthearrivalofmylord，who，afteramosttediousvisit，duringwhichMrs。Westernneveronceofferedtoleavetheroom，retired，notmuchmoresatisfiedwiththeauntthanwiththeniece；forSophiahadbroughtherauntintosoexcellentatemper，thatsheconsentedtoalmosteverythingherniecesaid；andagreedthatalittledistantbehaviourmightnotbeimpropertosoforwardalover。
ThusSophia，byalittlewell-directedflattery，forwhichsurelynonewillblameher，obtainedalittleeaseforherself，and，atleast，putofftheevilday。Andnowwehaveseenourheroineinabettersituationthanshehathbeenforalongtimebefore，wewilllookalittleafterMr。Jones，whomweleftinthemostdeplorablesituationthatcanbewellimagined。
Chapter5
Mrs。MillerandMr。NightingalevisitJonesintheprisonWhenMr。AllworthyandhisnephewwenttomeetMr。Western，Mrs。
Millersetforwardstoherson-in-law’slodgings，inordertoacquainthimwiththeaccidentwhichhadbefallenhisfriendJones；buthehadknownitlongbeforefromPartridgeforJones，whenheleftMrs。Miller，hadbeenfurnishedwitharoominthesamehousewithMr。
Nightingale。ThegoodwomanfoundherdaughterundergreatafflictiononaccountofMr。Jones，whomhavingcomfortedaswellasshecould，shesetforwardstotheGatehouse，wheresheheardhewas，andwhereMr。Nightingalewasarrivedbeforeher。
Thefirmnessandconstancyofatruefriendisacircumstancesoextremelydelightfultopersonsinanykindofdistress，thatthedistressitself，ifitbeonlytemporary，andadmitsofrelief，ismorethancompensatedbybringingthiscomfortwithit。Norareinstancesofthiskindsorareassomesuperficialandinaccurateobservershavereported。Tosaythetruth，wantofcompassionisnottobenumberedamongourgeneralfaults。Theblackingredientwhichfoulsourdispositionisenvy。Henceoureyeisseldom，Iamafraid，turnedupwardtothosewhoaremanifestlygreater，better，wiser，orhappierthanourselves，withoutsomedegreeofmalignity；whilewecommonlylookdownwardsonthemeanandmiserablewithsufficientbenevolenceandpity。Infact，Ihaveremarked，thatmostofthedefectswhichhavediscoveredthemselvesinthefriendshipswithinmyobservation，havearisenfromenvyonly:ahellishvice；andyetonefromwhichIhaveknownveryfewabsolutelyexempt。Butenoughofasubjectwhich，ifpursued，wouldleadmetoofar。
WhetheritwasthatFortunewasapprehensivelestJonesshouldsinkundertheweightofhisadversity，andthatshemightthusloseanyfutureopportunityoftormentinghim，orwhethershereallyabatedsomewhatofherseveritytowardshim，sheseemedalittletorelaxherpersecution，bysendinghimthecompanyoftwosuchfaithfulfriends，andwhatisperhapsmorerare，afaithfulservant。ForPartridge，thoughhehadmanyimperfections，wantednotfidelity；
andthoughfearwouldnotsufferhimtobehangedforhismaster，yettheworld，Ibelieve，couldnothavebribedhimtodeserthiscause。
WhileJoneswasexpressinggreatsatisfactioninthepresenceofhisfriends，PartridgebroughtanaccountthatMr。Fitzpatrickwasstillalive，thoughthesurgeondeclaredthathehadverylittlehopes。Uponwhich，Jonesfetchingadeepsigh，Nightingalesaidtohim，\"MydearTom，whyshouldyouafflictyourselfsouponanaccident，which，whateverbetheconsequence，canbeattendedwithnodangertoyou，andinwhichyourconsciencecannotaccuseyouofhavingbeentheleasttoblame？Ifthefellowshoulddie，whathaveyoudonemorethantakenawaythelifeofaruffianinyourowndefence？Sowillthecoroner’sinquestcertainlyfindit；andthenyouwillbeeasilyadmittedtobail；and，thoughyoumustundergotheformofatrial，yetitisatrialwhichmanymenwouldstandforyouforashilling。\"\"Come，come，Mr。Jones，\"saysMrs。Miller，\"chearyourselfup。Iknewyoucouldnotbetheaggressor，andsoItoldMr。Allworthy，andsoheshallacknowledgetoo，beforeIhavedonewithhim。\"
Jonesgravelyanswered，\"Thatwhatevermightbehisfate，heshouldalwayslamentthehavingshedthebloodofoneofhisfellow-creatures，asoneofthehighestmisfortuneswhichcouldhavebefallenhim。ButIhaveanothermisfortuneofthetenderestkind——O！
Mrs。Miller，IhavelostwhatIheldmostdearuponearth。\"\"Thatmustbeamistress，\"saidMrs。Miller；\"butcome，come；Iknowmorethanyouimagine\"forindeedPartridgehadblabbedall；\"andIhaveheardmorethanyouknow。Mattersgobetter，Ipromiseyou，thanyouthink；andIwouldnotgiveBlifilsixpenceforallthechancewhichhehathofthelady。\"
\"Indeed，mydearfriend，indeed，\"answeredJones，\"youareanentirestrangertothecauseofmygrief。Ifyouwasacquaintedwiththestory，youwouldallowmycaseadmittedofnocomfort。IapprehendnodangerfromBlifil。Ihaveundonemyself。\"\"Don’tdespair，\"repliedMrs。Miller；\"youknownotwhatawomancando；andifanythingbeinmypower，IpromiseyouIwilldoittoserveyou。Itismyduty。
Myson，mydearMr。Nightingale，whoissokindtotellmehehathobligationstoyouonthesameaccount，knowsitismyduty。ShallI
gototheladymyself？Iwillsayanythingtoheryouwouldhavemesay。\"
\"Thoubestofwomen，\"criesJones，takingherbythehand，\"talknotofobligationstome；——butasyouhavebeensokindtomentionit，thereisafavourwhich，perhaps，maybeinyourpower。IseeyouareacquaintedwiththeladyhowyoucamebyyourinformationI
knownot，whosits，indeed，verynearmyheart。Ifyoucouldcontrivetodeliverthisgivingherapaperfromhispocket，Ishallforeveracknowledgeyourgoodness。\"
\"Giveitme，\"saidMrs。Miller。\"IfIseeitnotinherownpossessionbeforeIsleep，maymynextsleepbemylast！Comfortyourself，mygoodyoungman！bewiseenoughtotakewarningfrompastfollies，andIwarrantallshallbewell，andIshallyetseeyouhappywiththemostcharmingyoungladyintheworld；forIsohearfromeveryonesheis。\"
\"Believeme，madam，\"saidhe，\"Idonotspeakthecommoncantofoneinmyunhappysituation。Beforethisdreadfulaccidenthappened，IhadresolvedtoquitalifeofwhichIwasbecomesensibleofthewickednessaswellasfolly。Idoassureyou，notwithstandingthedisturbancesIhaveunfortunatelyoccasionedinyourhouse，forwhichIheartilyaskyourpardon，Iamnotanabandonedprofligate。
ThoughIhavebeenhurriedintovices，Idonotapproveaviciouscharacter，norwillIever，fromthismoment，deserveit。\"
Mrs。Millerexpressedgreatsatisfactioninthesedeclarations，inthesincerityofwhichsheaverredshehadanentirefaith；andnowtheremainderoftheconversationpastinthejointattemptsofthatgoodwomanandMr。NightingaletocheerthedejectedspiritsofMr。
Jones，inwhichtheysofarsucceededastoleavehimmuchbettercomfortedandsatisfiedthantheyfoundhim；towhichhappyalterationnothingsomuchcontributedasthekindundertakingofMrs。MillertodeliverhislettertoSophia，whichhedespairedoffindinganymeanstoaccomplish；forwhenBlackGeorgeproducedthelastfromSophia，heinformedPartridgethatshehadstrictlychargedhim，onpainofhavingitcommunicatedtoherfather，nottobringheranyanswer。Hewas，moreover，notalittlepleasedtofindhehadsowarmanadvocatetoMr。Allworthyhimselfinthisgoodwoman，whowas，inreality，oneoftheworthiestcreaturesintheworld。
Afteraboutanhour’svisitfromtheladyforNightingalehadbeenwithhimmuchlonger，theybothtooktheirleave，promisingtoreturntohimsoon；duringwhichMrs。Millersaidshehopedtobringhimsomegoodnewsfromhismistress，andMr。NightingalepromisedtoenquireintothestateofMr。Fitzpatrick’swound，andlikewisetofindoutsomeofthepersonswhowerepresentattherencounter。
TheformerofthesewentdirectlyinquestofSophia，whitherwelikewiseshallnowattendher。
Chapter6
InwhichMrs。MillerpaysavisittoSophiaAccesstotheyoungladywasbynomeansdifficult；for，asshelivednowonaperfectfriendlyfootingwithheraunt，shewasatfulllibertytoreceivewhatvisitantsshepleased。
Sophiawasdressing，whenshewasacquaintedthattherewasagentlewomanbelowtowaitonher。Asshewasneitherafraid，norashamed，toseeanyofherownsex，Mrs。Millerwasimmediatelyadmitted。
Curtsiesandtheusualceremonialsbetweenwomenwhoarestrangerstoeachother，beingpast，Sophiasaid，\"Ihavenotthepleasuretoknowyou，madam。\"\"No，madam，\"answeredMrs。Miller，\"andImustbegpardonforintrudinguponyou。Butwhenyouknowwhathasinducedmetogiveyouthistrouble，Ihope——\"\"Pray，whatisyourbusiness，madam？\"saidSophia，withalittleemotion。\"Madam，wearenotalone，\"
repliedMrs。Miller，inalowvoice。\"Goout，Betty，\"saidSophia。
WhenBettywasdeparted，Mrs。Millersaid，\"Iwasdesired，madam，byaveryunhappyyounggentleman，todeliveryouthisletter。\"Sophiachangedcolourwhenshesawthedirection，wellknowingthehand，andaftersomehesitation，said-\"Icouldnotconceive，madam，fromyourappearance，thatyourbusinesshadbeenofsuchanature-
Whomeveryoubroughtthisletterfrom，Ishallnotopenit。Ishouldbesorrytoentertainanunjustsuspicionofanyone；butyouareanutterstrangertome。\"
\"Ifyouwillhavepatience，madam，\"answeredMrs。Miller，\"IwillacquaintyouwhoIam，andhowIcamebythatletter。\"\"Ihavenocuriosity，madam，toknowanything，\"criesSophia；\"butImustinsistonyourdeliveringthatletterbacktothepersonwhogaveityou。\"
Mrs。Millerthenfelluponherknees，andinthemostpassionatetermsimploredhercompassion；towhichSophiaanswered:\"Sure，madam，itissurprizingyoushouldbesoverystronglyinterestedinthebehalfofthisperson。Iwouldnotthink，madam\"-\"No，madam。\"saysMrs。Miller，\"youshallnotthinkanythingbutthetruth。Iwilltellyouall，andyouwillnotwonderthatIaminterested。Heisthebest-naturedcreaturethateverwasborn。\"——ShethenbeganandrelatedthestoryofMr。Anderson——Afterthisshecried，\"Thismadam，thisishisgoodness；butIhavemuchmoretenderobligationstohim。Hehathpreservedmychild。\"——Here，aftersheddingsometears，sherelatedeverythingconcerningthatfact，suppressingonlythosecircumstanceswhichwouldhavemostreflectedonherdaughter，andconcludedwithsaying，\"Now，madam，youshalljudgewhetherI
caneverdoenoughforsokind，sogood，sogenerousayoungman；
andsureheisthebestandworthiestofallhumanbeings。\"
ThealterationsinthecountenanceofSophiahadhithertobeenchieflytoherdisadvantage，andhadinclinedhercomplexiontotoogreatpaleness；butshenowwaxedredder，ifpossible，thanvermilion，andcried，\"Iknownotwhattosay；certainlywhatarisesfromgratitudecannotbeblamed——Butwhatservicecanmyreadingthisletterdoyourfriend，sinceIamresolvednever——\"Mrs。Millerfellagaintoherentreaties，andbeggedtobeforgiven，butshecouldnot，shesaid，carryitback。\"Well，madam，\"saysSophia，\"Icannothelpit，ifyouwillforceituponme-Certainlyyoumayleaveit，whetherIwillorno。\"WhatSophiameant，orwhethershemeantanything，I
willnotpresumetodetermine；butMrs。Milleractuallyunderstoodthisasahint，andpresentlylayingtheletterdownonthetable，tookherleave，havingfirstbeggedpermissiontowaitagainonSophia；whichrequesthadneitherassentnordenial。
TheletterlayuponthetablenolongerthantillMrs。Millerwasoutofsight；forthenSophiaopenedandreadit。
Thisletterdidverylittleservicetohiscause；foritconsistedoflittlemorethanconfessionsofhisownunworthiness，andbitterlamentationsofdespair，togetherwiththemostsolemnprotestationsofhisunalterablefidelitytoSophia，ofwhich，hesaid，hehopedtoconvinceher，ifhehadevermorethehonourofbeingadmittedtoherpresence；andthathecouldaccountforthelettertoLadyBellastoninsuchamanner，that，thoughitwouldnotentitlehimtoherforgiveness，hehopedatleasttoobtainitfromhermercy。AndconcludedwithvowingthatnothingwaseverlessinhisthoughtsthantomarryLadyBellaston。
ThoughSophiareadthelettertwiceoverwithgreatattention，hismeaningstillremainedariddletoher；norcouldherinventionsuggesttoheranymeanstoexcuseJones。Shecertainlyremainedveryangrywithhim，thoughindeedLadyBellastontookupsomuchofherresentment，thathergentlemindhadbutlittlelefttobestowonanyotherperson。
ThatladywasmostunluckilytodinethisverydaywithherauntWestern，andintheafternoontheywereallthree，byappointment，togotogethertotheopera，andthencetoLadyThomasHatchet’sdrum。
Sophiawouldhavegladlybeenexcusedfromall，butwouldnotdisobligeheraunt；andastotheartsofcounterfeitingillness，shewassoentirelyastrangertothem，thatitneveronceenteredintoherhead。Whenshewasdrest，therefore，downshewent，resolvedtoencounterallthehorrorsoftheday，andamostdisagreeableoneitproved；forLadyBellastontookeveryopportunityverycivillyandslilytoinsulther；toallwhichherdejectionofspiritsdisabledherfrommakinganyreturn；and，indeed，toconfessthetruth，shewasattheverybestbutanindifferentmistressofrepartee。
AnothermisfortunewhichbefelpoorSophia，wasthecompanyofLordFellamar，whomshemetattheopera，andwhoattendedhertothedrum。Andthoughbothplacesweretoopublicktoadmitofanyparticularities，andshewasfartherrelievedbythemusickattheoneplace，andbythecardsattheother，shecouldnot，however，enjoyherselfinhiscompany；forthereissomethingofdelicacyinwomen，whichwillnotsufferthemtobeeveneasyinthepresenceofamanwhomtheyknowtohavepretensionstothem，whichtheyaredisinclinedtofavour。
Havinginthischaptertwicementionedadrum，awordwhichourposterity，itishoped，willnotunderstandinthesenseitishereapplied，weshall，notwithstandingourpresenthaste，stopamomenttodescribetheentertainmentheremeant，andtheratheraswecaninamomentdescribeit。
Adrum，then，isanassemblyofwell-dressedpersonsofbothsexes，mostofwhomplayatcards，andtherestdonothingatall；
whilethemistressofthehouseperformsthepartofthelandladyataninn，andlikethelandladyofaninnpridesherselfinthenumberofherguests，thoughshedothnotalways，likeher，getanythingbyit。
Nowonderthen，assomuchspiritsmustberequiredtosupportanyvivacityinthesescenesofdulness，thatwehearpersonsoffashioneternallycomplainingofthewantofthem；acomplaintconfinedentirelytoupperlife。HowinsupportablemustweimaginethisroundofimpertinencetohavebeentoSophiaatthistime；howdifficultmustshehavefoundittoforcetheappearanceofgaietyintoherlooks，whenherminddictatednothingbutthetenderestsorrow，andwheneverythoughtwaschargedwithtormentingideas！
Night，however，atlastrestoredhertoherpillow，wherewewillleavehertosoothehermelancholyatleast，thoughincapable，wefear，ofrest，andshallpursueourhistory，which，somethingwhispersus，isnowarrivedattheeveofsomegreatevent。
Chapter7
ApatheticscenebetweenMr。AllworthyandMrs。MillerMrs。MillerhadalongdiscoursewithMr。Allworthy，athisreturnfromdinner，inwhichsheacquaintedhimwithJones’shavingunfortunatelylostallwhichhewaspleasedtobestowonhimattheirseparation；andwiththedistressestowhichthatlosshadsubjectedhim；ofallwhichshehadreceivedafullaccountfromthefaithfulretailerPartridge。ShethenexplainedtheobligationsshehadtoJones；notthatshewasentirelyexplicitwithregardtoherdaughter；forthoughshehadtheutmostconfidenceinMr。Allworthy，andthoughtherecouldbenohopesofkeepinganaffairsecretwhichwasunhappilyknowntomorethanhalfadozen，yetshecouldnotprevailwithherselftomentionthosecircumstanceswhichreflectedmostonthechastityofpoorNancy，butsmotheredthatpartofherevidenceascautiouslyasifshehadbeenbeforeajudge，andthegirlwasnowonhertrialforthemurderofabastard。
Allworthysaid，therewerefewcharacterssoabsolutelyviciousasnottohavetheleastmixtureofgoodinthem。\"However，\"sayshe，\"Icannotdenybutthatyouhavesomeobligationstothefellow，badasheis，andIshallthereforeexcusewhathathpastalready，butmustinsistyounevermentionhisnametomemore；for，Ipromiseyou，itwasuponthefullestandplainestevidencethatIresolvedtotakethemeasuresIhavetaken。\"\"Well，sir，\"saysshe，\"Imakenottheleastdoubtbuttimewillshewallmattersintheirtrueandnaturalcolours，andthatyouwillbeconvincedthispooryoungmandeservesbetterofyouthansomeotherfolksthatshallbenameless。\"
\"Madam，\"criesAllworthy，alittleruffied，\"Iwillnothearanyreflectionsonmynephew；andifeveryousayawordmoreofthatkind，Iwilldepartfromyourhousethatinstant。Heistheworthiestandbestofmen；andIoncemorerepeatittoyou，hehathcarriedhisfriendshiptothismantoablameablelength，bytoolongconcealingfactsoftheblackestdie。TheingratitudeofthewretchtothisgoodyoungmaniswhatImostresent；for，madam，I
havethegreatestreasontoimaginehehadlaidaplottosupplantmynephewinmyfavour，andtohavedisinheritedhim。\"
\"Iamsure，sir，\"answeredMrs。Miller，alittlefrightenedfor，thoughMr。Allworthyhadtheutmostsweetnessandbenevolenceinhissmiles，hehadgreatterrorinhisfrowns，\"Ishallneverspeakagainstanygentlemanyouarepleasedtothinkwellof。Iamsure，sir，suchbehaviourwouldverylittlebecomeme，especiallywhenthegentlemanisyournearestrelation；but，sir，youmustnotbeangrywithme，youmustnotindeed，formygoodwishestothispoorwretch。SureImaycallhimsonow，thoughonceyouwouldhavebeenangrywithmeifIhadspokeofhimwiththeleastdisrespect。HowoftenhaveIheardyoucallhimyourson？Howoftenhaveyouprattledtomeofhimwithallthefondnessofaparent？Nay，sir，I
cannotforgetthemanytenderexpressions，themanygoodthingsyouhavetoldmeofhisbeauty，andhisparts，andhisvirtues；ofhisgood-natureandgenerosity。Iamsure，sir，Icannotforgetthem，forIfindthemalltrue。Ihaveexperiencedtheminmyowncause。
Theyhavepreservedmyfamily。Youmustpardonmytears，sir，indeedyoumust。WhenIconsiderthecruelreverseoffortunewhichthispooryouth，towhomIamsomuchobliged，hathsuffered；whenIconsiderthelossofyourfavour，whichIknowhevaluedmorethanhislife，Imust，Imustlamenthim。Ifyouhadadaggerinyourhand，readytoplungeintomyheart，Imustlamentthemiseryofonewhomyouhaveloved，andIshalleverlove。\"
Allworthywasprettymuchmovedwiththisspeech，butitseemednottobewithanger；for，afterashortsilence，takingMrs。Millerbythehand，hesaidveryaffectionatelytoher，\"Come，madam，letusconsideralittleaboutyourdaughter。Icannotblameyouforrejoicinginamatchwhichpromisestobeadvantageoustoher，butyouknowthisadvantage，inagreatmeasure，dependsonthefather’sreconciliation。IknowMr。Nightingaleverywell，andhaveformerlyhadconcernswithhim；Iwillmakehimavisit，andendeavourtoserveyouinthismatter。Ibelieveheisaworldlyman；butasthisisanonlyson，andthethingisnowirretrievable，perhapshemayintimebebroughttoreason。IpromiseyouIwilldoallIcanforyou。\"
ManyweretheacknowledgmentswhichthepoorwomanmadetoAllworthyforthiskindandgenerousoffer，norcouldsherefrainfromtakingthisoccasionagaintoexpresshergratitudetowardsJones，\"towhom，\"
saidshe，\"Iowetheopportunityofgivingyou，sir，thispresenttrouble。\"Allworthygentlystoppedher；buthewastoogoodamantobereallyoffendedwiththeeffectsofsonobleaprincipleasnowactuatedMrs。Miller；andindeed，hadnotthisnewaffairinflamedhisformerangeragainstJones，itispossiblehemighthavebeenalittlesoftenedtowardshim，bythereportofanactionwhichmaliceitselfcouldnothavederivedfromanevilmotive。
Mr。AllworthyandMrs。Millerhadbeenaboveanhourtogether，whentheirconversationwasputanendtobythearrivalofBlifilandanotherperson，whichotherpersonnolessthanMr。Dowling，theattorney，whowasnowbecomeagreatfavouritewithMr。Blifil，andwhomMr。Allworthy，atthedesireofhisnephew，hadmadehissteward；
andhadlikewiserecommendedhimtoMr。Western，fromwhomtheattorneyreceivedapromiseofbeingpromotedtothesameofficeuponthefirstvacancy；and，inthemeantime，wasemployedintransactingsomeaffairswhichthesquirethenhadinLondoninrelationtoamortgage。
ThiswastheprincipalaffairwhichthenbroughtMr。Dowlingtotown；thereforehetookthesameopportunitytochargehimselfwithsomemoneyforMr。Allworthy，andtomakeareporttohimofsomeotherbusiness；inallwhich，asitwasofmuchtoodullanaturetofindanyplaceinthishistory，wewillleavetheuncle，nephew，andtheirlawyerconcerned，andresorttoothermatters。
Chapter8
ContainingvariousmattersBeforewereturntoMr。Jones，wewilltakeonemoreviewofSophia。
Thoughthatyoungladyhadbroughtherauntintogreatgoodhumourbythosesoothingmethodswhichwehavebeforerelated，shehadnotbroughtherintheleasttoabateofherzealforthematchwithLordFellamar。ThiszealwasnowinflamedbyLadyBellaston，whohadtoldhertheprecedingevening，thatshewaswellsatisfiedfromtheconductofSophia，andfromhercarriagetohislordship，thatalldelayswouldbedangerous，andthattheonlywaytosucceedwastopressthematchforwardwithsuchrapiditythattheyoungladyshouldhavenotimetoreflect，andbeobligedtoconsentwhileshescarceknewwhatshedid；inwhichmanner，shesaid，one-halfofthemarriagesamongpeopleofconditionwerebroughtabout。Afactveryprobablytrue，andtowhich，Isuppose，isowingthemutualtendernesswhichafterwardsexistsamongsomanyhappycouples。
AhintofthesamekindwasgivenbythesameladytoLordFellamar；
andboththesesoreadilyembracedtheadvice，thattheverynextdaywas，athislordship’srequest，appointedbyMrs。Westernforaprivateinterviewbetweentheyoungparties。ThiswascommunicatedtoSophiabyheraunt，andinsisteduponinsuchhighterms，that，afterhavingurgedeverythingshepossiblycouldinventagainstitwithouttheleasteffect，sheatlastagreedtogivethehighestinstanceofcomplacencewhichanyyoungladycangive，andconsentedtoseehislordship。
Asconversationsofthiskindaffordnogreatentertainment，weshallbeexcusedfromrecitingthewholethatpastatthisinterview；inwhich，afterhislordshiphadmademanydeclarationsofthemostpureandardentpassiontothesilentblushingSophia，sheatlastcollectedallthespiritsshecouldraise，andwithatremblinglowvoicesaid，\"Mylord，youmustbeyourselfconsciouswhetheryourformerbehaviourtomehathbeenconsistentwiththeprofessionsyounowmake。\"\"Isthere，\"answeredhe，\"nowaybywhichI
canatoneformadness？whatIdid，Iamafraid，musthavetooplainlyconvincedyou，thattheviolenceoflovehaddeprivedmeofmysenses。\"\"Indeed，mylord，\"saidshe，\"itisinyourpowertogivemeaproofofanaffectionwhichImuchratherwishtoencourage，andtowhichIshouldthinkmyselfmorebeholden。\"\"Nameit，madam，\"
saidmylord，verywarmly。\"Mylord，\"saysshe，lookingdownuponherfan，\"Iknowyoumustbesensiblehowuneasythispretendedpassionofyourshathmademe。\"\"Canyoubesocrueltocallitpretended？\"sayshe。\"Yes，mylord，\"answeredSophia，\"allprofessionsoflovetothosewhomwepersecutearemostinsultingpretences。
Thispursuitofyoursistomeamostcruelpersecution:nay，itistakingamostungenerousadvantageofmyunhappysituation。\"\"Mostlovely，mostadorablecharmer，donotaccuseme，\"crieshe，\"oftakinganungenerousadvantage，whileIhavenothoughtsbutwhataredirectedtoyourhonourandinterest，andwhileIhavenoview，nohope，noambition，buttothrowmyself，honour，fortune，everythingatyourfeet。\"\"Mylord，\"saysshe，\"itisthatfortuneandthosehonourswhichgaveyoutheadvantageofwhichIcomplain。Thesearethecharmswhichhaveseducedmyrelations，buttometheyarethingsindifferent。Ifyourlordshipwillmeritmygratitude，thereisbutoneway。\"\"Pardonme，divinecreature，\"saidhe，\"therecanbenone。
AllIcandoforyouissomuchyourdue，andwillgivemesomuchpleasure，thatthereisnoroomforyourgratitude。\"\"Indeed，mylord，\"answeredshe，\"youmayobtainmygratitude，mygoodopinion，everykindthoughtandwishwhichitisinmypowertobestow；nay，youmayobtainthemwithease，forsuretoagenerousminditmustbeeasytograntmyrequest。Letmebeseechyou，then，toceaseapursuitinwhichyoucanneverhaveanysuccess。Foryourownsakeaswellasmine，Ientreatthisfavour；forsureyouaretoonobletohaveanypleasureintormentinganunhappycreature。Whatcanyourlordshipproposebutuneasinesstoyourselfbyaperseverance，which，uponmyhonour，uponmysoul，cannot，shallnotprevailwithme，whateverdistressesyoumaydrivemeto。\"Heremylordfetchedadeepsigh，andthensaid-\"Isitthen，madam，thatIamsounhappytobetheobjectofyourdislikeandscorn；orwillyoupardonmeifI
suspectthereissomeother？\"Herehehesitated，andSophiaansweredwithsomespirit，\"Mylord，Ishallnotbeaccountabletoyouforthereasonsofmyconduct。Iamobligedtoyourlordshipforthegenerousofferyouhavemade；Iownitisbeyondeithermydesertsorexpectations；yetIhope，mylord，youwillnotinsistonmyreasons，whenIdeclareIcannotacceptit。\"LordFellamarreturnedmuchtothis，whichwedonotperfectlyunderstand，andperhapsitcouldnotallbestrictlyreconciledeithertosenseorgrammar；butheconcludedhisrantingspeechwithsaying，\"Thatifshehadpre-engagedherselftoanygentleman，howeverunhappyitwouldmakehim，heshouldthinkhimselfboundinhonourtodesist。\"Perhapsmylordlaidtoomuchemphasisonthewordgentleman；forwecannotelsewellaccountfortheindignationwithwhichheinspiredSophia，who，inheranswer，seemedgreatlytoresentsomeaffronthehadgivenher。
Whileshespeaking，withhervoicemoreraisedthanusual，Mrs。
Westerncameintotheroom，thefireglaringinhercheeks，andtheflamesburstingfromhereyes。\"Iamashamed，\"saysshe，\"mylord，ofthereceptionwhichyouhavemetwith。Iassureyourlordship，weareallsensibleofthehonourdoneus；andImusttellyou，MissWestern，thefamilyexpectadifferentbehaviourfromyou。\"Heremylordinterferedonbehalfoftheyounglady，buttonopurpose；theauntproceededtillSophiapulledherhandkerchief，threwherselfintoachair，andburstintoaviolentfitoftears。
TheremainderoftheconversationbetweenMrs。Westernandhislordship，tillthelatterwithdrew，consistedofbitterlamentationsonhisside，andonhersofthestrongestassurancesthathernieceshouldandwouldconsenttoallhewished。\"Indeed，mylord，\"saysshe，\"thegirlhathhadafoolisheducation，neitheradaptedtoherfortunenorherfamily。Herfather，Iamsorrytosayit，istoblameforeverything。Thegirlhathsillycountrynotionsofbashfulness。Nothingelse，mylord，uponmyhonour；Iamconvincedshehathagoodunderstandingatthebottom，andwillbebroughttoreason。\"
ThislastspeechwasmadeintheabsenceofSophia；forshehadsometimebeforelefttheroom，withmoreappearanceofpassionthanshehadevershownonanyoccasion；andnowhislordship，aftermanyexpressionsofthankstoMrs。Western，manyardentprofessionsofpassionwhichnothingcouldconquer，andmanyassurancesofperseverance，whichMrs。Westernhighlyencouraged，tookhisleaveforthistime。
BeforewerelatewhatnowpassedbetweenMrs。WesternandSophia，itmaybepropertomentionanunfortunateaccidentwhichhadhappened，andwhichhadoccasionedthereturnofMrs。Westernwithsomuchfury，aswehaveseen。
Thereaderthenmustknow，thatthemaidwhoatpresentattendedonSophiawasrecommendedbyLadyBellaston，withwhomshehadlivedforsometimeinthecapacityofacomb-brush:shewasaverysensiblegirl，andhadreceivedthestrictestinstructionstowatchheryoungladyverycarefully。Theseinstructions，wearesorrytosay，werecommunicatedtoherbyMrs。Honour，intowhosefavourLadyBellastonhadnowsoingratiatedherself，thattheviolentaffectionwhichthegoodwaiting-womanhadformerlybornetoSophiawasentirelyobliteratedbythatgreatattachmentwhichshehadtohernewmistress。
Now，whenMrs。Millerwasdeparted，Bettyforthatwasthenameofthegirl，returningtoheryounglady，foundherveryattentivelyengagedinreadingalongletter，andthevisibleemotionswhichshebetrayedonthatoccasionmighthavewellaccountedforsomesuspicionswhichthegirlentertained；butin，deedtheyhadyetastrongerfoundation，forshehadoverheardthewholescenewhichpassedbetweenSophiaandMrs。Miller。
Mrs。WesternwasacquaintedwithallthismatterbyBetty，who，afterreceivingmanycommendationsandsomerewardsforherfidelity，wasordered，that，ifthewomanwhobroughtthelettercameagain，sheshouldintroducehertoMrs。Westernherself。
Unluckily，Mrs。MillerreturnedattheverytimewhenSophiawasengagedwithhislordship。Betty，accordingtoorder，sentherdirectlytotheaunt；who，beingmistressofsomanycircumstancesrelatingtowhathadpastthedaybefore，easilyimposeduponthepoorwomantobelievethatSophiahadcommunicatedthewholeaffair；andsopumpedeverythingoutofherwhichsheknewrelatingtotheletterandrelatingtoJones。
Thispoorcreaturemight，indeed，becalledsimplicityitself。Shewasoneofthatorderofmortalswhoareapttobelieveeverythingwhichissaidtothem；towhomnaturehathneitherindulgedtheoffensivenordefensiveweaponsofdeceit，andwhoareconsequentlyliabletobeimposeduponbyanyonewhowillonlybeattheexpenseofalittlefalsehoodforthatpurpose。Mrs。Western，havingdrainedMrs。Millerofallsheknew，which，indeed，wasbutlittle，butwhichwassufficienttomaketheauntsuspectagreatdeal，dismissedherwithassurancesthatSophiawouldnotseeher，thatshewouldsendnoanswertotheletter，noreverreceiveanother；
nordidshesufferhertodepartwithoutahandsomelectureonthemeritsofanofficetowhichshecouldaffordnobetternamethanthatofprocuress-Thisdiscoveryhadgreatlydiscomposedhertemper，when，comingintotheapartmentnexttothatinwhichtheloverswere，sheoverheardSophiaverywarmlyprotestingagainsthislordship’saddresses。Atwhichtheragealreadykindledburstforth，andsherushedinuponhernieceinamostfuriousmanner，aswehavealreadydescribed，togetherwithwhatpastatthattimetillhislordship’sdeparture。
NosoonerwasLordFellamargone，thanMrs。WesternreturnedtoSophia，whomsheupbraidedinthemostbittertermsfortheilluseshehadmadeoftheconfidencereposedinher；andforhertreacheryinconversingwithamanwithwhomshehadofferedbutthedaybeforetobindherselfinthemostsolemnoathnevermoretohaveanyconversation。Sophiaprotestedshehadmaintainednosuchconversation。\"How，how！MissWestern，\"saidtheaunt；\"willyoudenyyourreceivingaletterfromhimyesterday？\"\"Aletter，madam！\"
answeredSophia，somewhatsurprized。\"Itisnotverywellbred，miss，\"
repliestheaunt，\"torepeatmywords。Isayaletter，andIinsistuponyourshowingitmeimmediately。\"\"Iscornalie，madam，\"saidSophia；\"Ididreceivealetter，butitwaswithoutmydesire，and，indeed，Imaysay，againstmyconsent。\"\"Indeed，indeed，miss，\"
criestheaunt，\"yououghttobeashamedofowningyouhadreceiveditatall；butwhereistheletter？forIwillseeit。\"
Tothisperemptorydemand，Sophiapausedsometimebeforeshereturnedananswer；andatlastonlyexcusedherselfbydeclaringshehadnottheletterinherpocket，whichwas，indeed，true；uponwhichheraunt，losingallmannerofpatience，askedherniecethisshortquestion，whethershewouldresolvetomarryLordFellamar，orno？towhichshereceivedthestrongestnegative。Mrs。Westernthenrepliedwithanoath，orsomethingverylikeone，thatshewouldearlythenextmorningdeliverherbackintoherfather’shand。
Sophiathenbegantoreasonwithherauntinthefollowingmanner:-\"Why，madam，mustIofnecessitybeforcedtomarryatall？
Considerhowcruelyouwouldhavethoughtitinyourowncase，andhowmuchkinderyourparentswereinleavingyoutoyourliberty。WhathaveIdonetoforfeitthisliberty？Iwillnevermarrycontrarytomyfather’sconsent，norwithoutaskingyours——AndwhenIasktheconsentofeitherimproperly，itwillbethentimeenoughtoforcesomeothermarriageuponme。\"CanIbeartohearthis，\"criesMrs。
Western，\"fromagirlwhohathnowaletterfromamurdererinherpocket？\"\"Ihavenosuchletter，Ipromiseyou，\"answeredSophia；
\"and，ifhebeamurderer，hewillsoonbeinnoconditiontogiveyouanyfurtherdisturbance。\"\"How，MissWestern！\"saidtheaunt，\"haveyoutheassurancetospeakofhiminthismanner；toownyouraffectionforsuchavillaintomyface？\"\"Sure，madam，\"saidSophia，\"youputaverystrangeconstructiononmywords。\"\"Indeed，MissWestern，\"criesthelady，\"Ishallnotbearthisusage；youhavelearntofyourfatherthismanneroftreatingme；hehathtaughtyoutogivemethelie。Hehathtotallyruinedyoubythisfalsesystemofeducation；and，pleaseheaven，heshallhavethecomfortofitsfruits；foroncemoreIdeclaretoyou，thatto-morrowmorningIwillcarryyouback。Iwillwithdrawallmyforcesfromthefield，andremainhenceforth，likethewisekingofPrussia，inastateofperfectneutrality。Youarebothtoowisetoberegulatedbymymeasures；soprepareyourself，forto-morrowmorningyoushallevacuatethishouse。\"
Sophiaremonstratedallshecould；butherauntwasdeaftoallshesaid。Inthisresolutionthereforewemustatpresentleaveher，asthereseemstobenohopesofbringinghertochangeit。
Chapter9
WhathappenedtoMr。JonesintheprisonMr。Jonespassedabouttwenty-fourmelancholyhoursbyhimself，unlesswhenrelievedbythecompanyofPartridge，beforeMr。
Nightingalereturned；notthatthisworthyyoungmanhaddesertedorforgothisfriend；for，indeed，hehadbeenmuchthegreatestpartofthetimeemployedinhisservice。
Hehadheard，uponenquiry，thattheonlypersonswhohadseenthebeginningoftheunfortunaterencounterwereacrewbelongingtoaman-of-warwhichthenlayatDeptford。ToDeptfordthereforehewentinsearchofthiscrew，wherehewasinformedthatthemenhesoughtafterwereallgoneashore。Hethentracedthemfromplacetoplace，tillatlasthefoundtwoofthemdrinkingtogether，withthirdperson，atahedge-tavernnearAldersgate。
NightingaledesiredtospeakwithJonesbyhimselfforPartridgewasintheroomwhenhecamein。Assoonastheywerealone，Nightingale，takingJonesbythehand，cried，\"Come，mybravefriend，benottoomuchdejectedatwhatIamgoingtotellyou——IamsorryIamthemessengerofbadnews；butIthinkitmydutytotellyou。\"\"Iguessalreadywhatthatbadnewsis，\"criesJones。\"Thepoorgentlemanthenisdead。\"——\"Ihopenot，\"answeredNightingale。
\"Hewasalivethismorning；thoughIwillnotflatteryou；Ifear，fromtheaccountsIcouldget，thathiswoundismortal。Butiftheaffairbeexactlyasyoutoldit，yourownremorsewouldbeallyouwouldhavereasontoapprehend，letwhatwouldhappen；butforgiveme，mydearTom，ifIentreatyoutomaketheworstofyourstorytoyourfriends。Ifyoudisguiseanythingtous，youwillonlybeanenemytoyourself。\"
\"Whatreason，mydearJack，haveIevergivenyou，\"saidJones，\"tostabmewithsocruelasuspicion？\"\"Havepatience，\"criesNightingale，\"andIwilltellyouall。AfterthemostdiligentenquiryIcouldmake，Iatlastmetwithtwoofthefellowswhowerepresentatthisunhappyaccident，andIamsorrytosay，theydonotrelatethestorysomuchinyourfavourasyouyourselfhavetoldit。\"
\"Why，whatdotheysay？\"criesJones。\"IndeedwhatIamsorrytorepeat，asIamafraidoftheconsequenceofittoyou。Theysaythattheywereattoogreatadistancetooverhearanywordsthatpassedbetweenyou:buttheybothagreethatthefirstblowwasgivenbyyou。\"\"Then，uponmysoul，\"answeredJones，\"theyinjureme。Henotonlystruckmefirst，butstruckmewithouttheleastprovocation。Whatshouldinducethosevillainstoaccusemefalsely？\"\"Nay，thatIcannotguess，\"saidNightingale，\"andifyouyourself，andI，whoamsoheartilyyourfriend，cannotconceiveareasonwhytheyshouldbelieyou，whatreasonwillanindifferentcourtofjusticebeabletoassignwhytheyshouldnotbelievethem？I
repeatedthequestiontothemseveraltimes，andsodidanothergentlemanwhowaspresent，who，Ibelieve，isaseafaringman，andwhoreallyactedaveryfriendlypartbyyou；forhebeggedthemoftentoconsiderthattherewasthelifeofamaninthecase；andaskedthemoverandover，iftheywerecertain；towhichtheybothanswered，thattheywere，andwouldabidebytheirevidenceuponoath。Forheaven’ssake，mydearfriend，recollectyourself；for，ifthisshouldappeartobethefact，itwillbeyourbusinesstothinkintimeofmakingthebestofyourinterest。Iwouldnotshockyou；butyouknow，Ibelieve，theseverityofthelaw，whateververbalprovocationsmayhavebeengivenyou。\"\"Alas！myfriend，\"criesJones，\"whatinteresthathsuchawretchasI？Besides，doyouthinkIwouldevenwishtolivewiththereputationofamurderer？IfIhadanyfriendsas，alas！Ihavenone，couldIhavetheconfidencetosolicitthemtospeakinthebehalfofamancondemnedfortheblackestcrimeinhumannature？Believeme，Ihavenosuchhope；butIhavesomerelianceonathronestillgreatlysuperior；whichwill，Iamcertain，affordmealltheprotectionImerit。\"
Hethenconcludedwithmanysolemnandvehementprotestationsofthetruthofwhathehadatfirstasserted。
ThefaithofNightingalewasnowagainstaggered，andbegantoinclinetocredithisfriend，whenMrs。Millerappeared，andmadeasorrowfulreportofthesuccessofherembassy；whichwhenJoneshadheard，hecriedoutmostheroically，\"Well，myfriend，Iamnowindifferentastowhatshallhappen，atleastwithregardtomylife；andifitbethewillofHeaventhatIshallmakeanatonementwiththatforthebloodIhavespilt，IhopetheDivineGoodnesswillonedaysuffermyhonourtobecleared，andthatthewordsofadyingman，atleast，willbebelieved，sofarastojustifyhischaracter。\"
Averymournfulscenenowpastbetweentheprisonerandhisfriends，atwhich，asfewreaderswouldhavebeenpleasedtobepresent，sofew，Ibelieve，willdesiretohearitparticularlyrelated。Wewill，therefore，passontotheentranceoftheturnkey，whoacquaintedJonesthattherewasaladywithoutwhodesiredtospeakwithhimwhenhewasatleisure。
Jonesdeclaredhissurprizeatthismessage。Hesaid，\"Heknewnoladyintheworldwhomhecouldpossiblyexpecttoseethere。\"
However，ashesawnoreasontodeclineseeinganyperson，Mrs。MillerandMr。Nightingalepresentlytooktheirleave，andhegaveorderstohavetheladyadmitted。
IfJoneswassurprizedatthenewsofavisitfromalady，howgreatlywasheastonishedwhenhediscoveredthisladytobenootherthanMrs。Waters！Inthisastonishmentthenweshallleavehimawhile，inordertocurethesurprizeofthereader，whowilllikewise，probably，notalittlewonderatthearrivalofthislady。
WhothisMrs。Waterswas，thereaderprettywellknows；whatshewas，hemustbeperfectlysatisfied。HewillthereforebepleasedtorememberthatthisladydepartedfromUptoninthesamecoachwithMr。
FitzpatrickandtheotherIrishgentleman，andintheircompanytravelledtoBath。
NowtherewasacertainofficeinthegiftofMr。Fitzpatrickatthattimevacant，namelythatofawife:fortheladywhohadlatelyfilledthatofficehadresigned，oratleastdesertedherduty。Mr。
Fitzpatricktherefore，havingthoroughlyexaminedMrs。Watersontheroad，foundherextremelyfitfortheplace，which，ontheirarrivalatBath，hepresentlyconferreduponher，andshewithoutanyscrupleaccepted。AshusbandandwifethisgentlemanandladycontinuedtogetherallthetimetheystayedatBath，andashusbandandwifetheyarrivedtogetherintown。
WhetherMr。Fitzpatrickwassowiseamanasnottopartwithonegoodthingtillhehadsecuredanother，whichhehadatpresentonlyaprospectorwhetherMrs。Watershadsowelldischargedheroffice，thatheintendedstilltoretainherasprincipal，andtomakehiswifeasisoftenthecaseonlyherdeputy，Iwillnotsay；butcertainitis，henevermentionedhiswifetoher，nevercommunicatedtoherthelettergivenhimbyMrs。Western，noreveroncehintedhispurposeofrepossessinghiswife；muchlessdidheevermentionthenameofJones。For，thoughheintendedtofightwithhimwhereverhemethim，hedidnotimitatethoseprudentpersonswhothinkawife，amother，asister，orsometimesawholefamily，thesafestsecondsontheseoccasions。Thefirstaccount，therefore，whichshehadofallthiswasdeliveredtoherfromhislips，afterhewasbroughthomefromthetavernwherehiswoundhadbeendrest。
AsMr。Fitzpatrick，however，hadnottheclearestwayoftellingastoryatanytime，andwasnow，perhaps，alittlemoreconfusedthanusual，itwassometimebeforeshediscoveredthatthegentlemanwhohadgivenhimthiswoundwastheverysamepersonfromwhomherhearthadreceivedawound，which，thoughnotofamortalkind，wasyetsodeepthatithadleftaconsiderablescarbehindit。ButnosoonerwassheacquaintedthatMr。JoneshimselfwasthemanwhohadbeencommittedtotheGatehouseforthissupposedmurder，thanshetookthefirstopportunityofcommittingMr。Fitzpatricktothecareofhisnurse，andhastenedawaytovisittheconqueror。
Shenowenteredtheroomwithanairofgaiety，whichreceivedanimmediatecheckfromthemelancholyaspectofpoorJones，whostartedandblessedhimselfwhenhesawher。Uponwhichshesaid，\"Nay，Idonotwonderatyoursurprize；Ibelieveyoudidnotexpecttoseeme；forfewgentlemenaretroubledherewithvisitsfromanylady，unlessawife。Youseethepoweryouhaveoverme，Mr。Jones。
Indeed，Ilittlethought，whenwepartedatUpton，thatournextmeetingwouldhavebeeninsuchaplace。\"\"Indeed，madam，\"saysJones，\"Imustlookuponthisvisitaskind；fewwillfollowthemiserable，especiallytosuchdismalhabitations。\"\"Iprotest，Mr。Jones，\"saysshe，\"IcanhardlypersuademyselfyouarethesameagreeablefellowI
sawatUpton。Why，yourfaceismoremiserablethananydungeonintheuniverse。Whatcanbethematterwithyou？\"\"Ithought，madam，\"saidJones，\"asyouknewofmybeinghere，youknewtheunhappyreason。\"
\"Pugh！\"saysshe，\"youhavepinkedamaninaduel，that’sall。\"Jonesexprestsomeindignationatthislevity，andspokewiththeutmostcontritionforwhathadhappened。Towhichsheanswered，\"Well，then，sir，ifyoutakeitsomuchtoheart，Iwillrelieveyou；thegentlemanisnotdead，and，Iamprettyconfident，isinnodangerofdying。Thesurgeon，indeedwhofirstdressedhimwasayoungfellow，andseemeddesirousofrepresentinghiscasetobeasbadaspossible，thathemighthavethemorehonourfromcuringhim:buttheking’ssurgeonhathseenhimsince，andsays，unlessfromafever，ofwhichthereareatpresentnosymptoms，heapprehendsnottheleastdangeroflife。\"Jonesshewedgreatsatisfactionatthisreport；
uponwhichsheaffirmedthetruthofit，adding，\"BythemostextraordinaryaccidentintheworldIlodgeatthesamehouse；andhaveseenthegentleman，andIpromiseyouhedothyoujustice，andsays，whateverbetheconsequence，thathewasentirelytheaggressor，andthatyouwasnotintheleasttoblame。\"
JonesexpressedtheutmostsatisfactionattheaccountwhichMrs。
Watersbroughthim。Hetheninformedherofmanythingswhichshewellknewbefore，aswhoMr。Fitzpatrickwas，theoccasionofhisresentment，&c。Helikewisetoldherseveralfactsofwhichshewasignorant，astheadventureofthemuff，andotherparticulars，concealingonlythenameofSophia。Hethenlamentedthefolliesandvicesofwhichhehadbeenguilty；everyoneofwhich，hesaid，hadbeenattendedwithsuchillconsequences，thatheshouldbeunpardonableifhedidnottakewarning，andquitthoseviciouscoursesforthefuture。Helastlyconcludedwithassuringherofhisresolutiontosinnomore，lestaworsethingshouldhappentohim。
Mrs。Waterswithgreatpleasantryridiculedallthis，astheeffectsoflowspiritsandconfinement。Sherepeatedsomewitticismsaboutthedevilwhenhewassick，andtoldhim，\"Shedoubtednotbutshortlytoseehimatliberty，andaslivelyafellowasever；andthen，\"saysshe，\"Idon’tquestionbutyourconsciencewillbesafelydeliveredofallthesequalmsthatitisnowsosickinbreeding。\"
Manymorethingsofthiskindsheuttered，someofwhichitwoulddohernogreathonour，intheopinionofsomereaders，toremember；
norarewequitecertainbutthattheanswersmadebyJoneswouldbetreatedwithridiculebyothers。Weshallthereforesuppresstherestofthisconversation，andonlyobservethatitendedatlastwithperfectinnocence，andmuchmoretothesatisfactionofJonesthanofthelady；fortheformerwasgreatlytransportedwiththenewsshehadbroughthim；butthelatterwasnotaltogethersopleasedwiththepenitentialbehaviourofamanwhomshehad，atherfirstinterview，conceived。averydifferentopinionoffromwhatshenowentertainedofhim。
ThusthemelancholyoccasionedbythereportofMr。Nightingalewasprettywelleffaced；butthedejectionintowhichMrs。Millerhadthrownhimstillcontinued。TheaccountshegavesowelltalliedwiththewordsofSophiaherselfinherletter，thathemadenottheleastdoubtbutthatshehaddisclosedhislettertoheraunt，andhadtakenafixedresolutiontoabandonhim。Thetormentsthisthoughtgavehimweretobeequalledonlybyapieceofnewswhichfortunehadyetinstoreforhim，andwhichweshallcommunicateinthesecondchapteroftheensuingbook。
BOOKXVIII
CONTAININGABOUTSIXDAYS
Chapter1
AfarewelltothereaderWearenow，reader，arrivedatthelaststageofourlongjourney。
Aswehave，therefore，travelledtogetherthroughsomanypagesletusbehavetooneanotherlikefellow-travellersinastagecoach，whohavepassedseveraldaysinthecompanyofeachother；andwho，notwithstandinganybickeringsorlittleanimositieswhichmayhaveoccurredontheroad，generallymakeallupatlast，andmount，forthelasttime，intotheirvehiclewithchearfulnessandgoodhumour；
sinceafterthisonestage，itmaypossiblyhappentous，asitcommonlyhappenstothem，nevertomeetmore。
AsIhaveheretakenupthissimile，givemeleavetocarryitalittlefarther。Iintend，then，inthislastbook，toimitatethegoodcompanyIhavementionedintheirlastjourney。Now，itiswellknownthatalljokesandrailleryareatthistimelaidaside；
whatevercharactersanyofthepassengershaveforthejest-sakepersonatedontheroadarenowthrownoff，andtheconversationisusuallyplainandserious。
Inthesamemanner，ifIhavenowandthen，inthecourseofthiswork，indulgedanypleasantryforthyentertainment，Ishallherelayitdown。Thevarietyofmatter，indeed，whichIshallbeobligedtocramintothisbook，willaffordnoroomforanyofthoseludicrousobservationswhichIhaveelsewheremade，andwhichmaysometimesperhaps，havepreventedtheefromtakinganapwhenitwasbeginningtostealuponthee。Inthislastbookthouwiltfindnothingoratmostverylittleofthatnature。Allwillbeplainnarrativeonly；
and，indeed。whenthouhastperusedthemanygreateventswhichthisbookwillproduce，thouwiltthinkthenumberofpagescontainedinitscarcesufficienttotellthestory。
Andnow，myfriend，ItakethisopportunityasIshallhavenootherofheartilywishingtheewell。IfIhavebeenanentertainingcompaniontothee，IpromisetheeitiswhatIhavedesired。IfinanythingIhaveoffended，itwasreallywithoutanyintention。Somethings，perhaps，heresaid，mayhavehittheeorthyfriends；butIdomostsolemnlydeclaretheywerenotpointedattheeorthem。I
questionnotbutthouhastbeentold，amongotherstoriesofme，thatthouwasttotravelwithaveryscurrilousfellow；butwhoevertoldtheesodidmeaninjury。Nomandetestsanddespisesscurrilitymorethanmyself；norhathanymanmorereason；fornonehatheverbeentreatedwithmore；andwhatisaveryseverefate，I
havehadsomeoftheabusivewritingsofthoseverymenfathereduponme，who，inotheroftheirworks，haveabusedmethemselveswiththeutmostvirulence。
Alltheseworks，however，Iamwellconvinced，willbedeadlongbeforethispageshallofferitselftothyperusal；forhowevershorttheperiodmaybeofmyownperformances，theywillmostprobablyoutlivetheirowninfirmauthor，andtheweaklyproductionsofhisabusivecontemporaries。
Chapter2
ContainingaverytragicalincidentWhileJoneswasemployedinthoseunpleasantmeditations，withwhichwelefthimtormentinghimself，Partridgecamestumblingintotheroomwithhisfacepalerthanashes，hiseyesfixedinhishead，hishairstandingonend，andeverylimbtrembling。Inshort，helookedashewouldhavedonehadheseenaspectre，orhadhe，indeed，beenaspectrehimself。
Jones，whowaslittlesubjecttofear，couldnotavoidbeingsomewhatshockedatthissuddenappearance。Hedid，indeed，himselfchangecolour，andhisvoicealittlefaulteredwhileheaskedhim，Whatwasthematter？
\"Ihope，sir，\"saidPartridge，\"youwillnotbeangrywithme。
IndeedIdidnotlisten，butIwasobligedtostayintheoutwardroom。IamsureIwishIhadbeenahundredmilesoff，ratherthanhaveheardwhatIhaveheard。\"\"Why，whatisthematter？\"saidJones。\"Thematter，sir？OgoodHeaven！\"answeredPartridge，\"wasthatwomanwhoisjustgoneoutthewomanwhowaswithyouatUpton？\"
\"Shewas，Partridge，\"criedJones。\"Anddidyoureally，sir，gotobedwiththatwoman？\"saidhe，trembling-\"Iamafraidwhatpastbetweenusisnosecret，\"saidJones-\"Nay，butpray，sir，forHeaven’ssake，sir，answerme，\"criesPartridge。\"YouknowIdid，\"criesJones。
\"Whythen，theLordhavemercyuponyoursoul，andforgiveyou，\"criesPartridge；\"butassureasIstandherealive，youhavebeena-bedwithyourownmother。\"
UponthesewordsJonesbecameinamomentagreaterpictureofhorrorthanPartridgehimself。Hewas，indeed，forsometimestruckdumbwithamazement，andbothstoodstaringwildlyateachother。Atlasthiswordsfoundway，andinaninterruptedvoicehesaid，\"How！
how！what’sthisyoutellme？\"\"Nay，sir，\"criesPartridge，\"Ihavenotbreathenoughlefttotellyounow，butwhatIhavesaidismostcertainlytrue-Thatwomanwhonowwentoutisyourownmother。Howunluckywasitforyou，sir，thatIdidnothappentoseeheratthattime，tohavepreventedit！Surethedevilhimselfmusthavecontrivedtobringaboutthiswickedness。\"
\"Sure，\"criedJones，\"Fortunewillneverhavedonewithmetillshehathdrivenmetodistraction。ButwhydoIblameFortune？Iammyselfthecauseofallmymisery。Allthedreadfulmischiefswhichhavebefallenmearetheconsequencesonlyofmyownfollyandvice。
Whatthouhasttoldme，Partridge，hathalmostdeprivedmeofmysenses！AndwasMrs。Waters，then-butwhydoIask？forthoumustcertainlyknowher——Ifthouhastanyaffectionforme，nay，ifthouhastanypity，letmebeseechtheetofetchthismiserablewomanbackagaintome。OgoodHeavens！incest——withamother！TowhatamI
reserved！\"Hethenfellintothemostviolentandfranticagoniesofgriefanddespair，inwhichPartridgedeclaredhewouldnotleavehim；
butatlast，havingventedthefirsttorrentofpassion，hecamealittletohimself；andthen，havingacquaintedPartridgethathewouldfindthiswretchedwomaninthesamehousewherethewoundedgentlemanwaslodged，hedespatchedhiminquestofher。