Theintroductiontothework，orbilloffaretothefeastAnauthoroughttoconsiderhimself，notasagentlemanwhogivesaprivateoreleemosynarytreat，butratherasonewhokeepsapublicordinary，atwhichallpersonsarewelcomefortheirmoney。

Intheformercase，itiswellknownthattheentertainerprovideswhatfarehepleases；andthoughthisshouldbeveryindifferent，andutterlydisagreeabletothetasteofhiscompany，theymustnotfindanyfault；nay，onthecontrary，goodbreedingforcesthemoutwardlytoapproveandtocommendwhateverissetbeforethem。Nowthecontraryofthishappenstothemasterofanordinary。Menwhopayforwhattheyeatwillinsistongratifyingtheirpalates，howeverniceandwhimsicalthesemayprove；andifeverythingisnotagreeabletotheirtaste，willchallengearighttocensure，toabuse，andtod——ntheirdinnerwithoutcontroul。

Toprevent，therefore，givingoffencetotheircustomersbyanysuchdisappointment，ithathbeenusualwiththehonestandwell-meaninghosttoprovideabilloffarewhichallpersonsmayperuseattheirfirstentranceintothehouse；andhavingthenceacquaintedthemselveswiththeentertainmentwhichtheymayexpect，mayeitherstayandregalewithwhatisprovidedforthem，ormaydeparttosomeotherordinarybetteraccommodatedtotheirtaste。

Aswedonotdisdaintoborrowwitorwisdomfromanymanwhoiscapableoflendinguseither，wehavecondescendedtotakeahintfromthesehonestvictuallers，andshallprefixnotonlyageneralbilloffaretoourwholeentertainment，butshalllikewisegivethereaderparticularbillstoeverycoursewhichistobeservedupinthisandtheensuingvolumes。

Theprovision，then，whichwehaveheremadeisnootherthanHumanNature。NordoIfearthatmysensiblereader，thoughmostluxuriousinhistaste，willstart，cavil，orbeoffended，becauseI

havenamedbutonearticle。Thetortise-asthealdermanofBristol，welllearnedineating，knowsbymuchexperience-besidesthedeliciouscalipashandcalipee，containsmanydifferentkindsoffood；

norcanthelearnedreaderbeignorant，thatinhumannature，thoughherecollectedunderonegeneralname，issuchprodigiousvariety，thatacookwillhavesoonergonethroughalltheseveralspeciesofanimalandvegetablefoodintheworld，thananauthorwillbeabletoexhaustsoextensiveasubject。

Anobjectionmayperhapsbeapprehendedfromthemoredelicate，thatthisdishistoocommonandvulgar；forwhatelseisthesubjectofalltheromances，novels，plays，andpoems，withwhichthestallsabound？Manyexquisiteviandsmightberejectedbytheepicure，ifitwasasufficientcauseforhiscontemningofthemascommonandvulgar，thatsomethingwastobefoundinthemostpaltryalleysunderthesamename。Inreality，truenatureisasdifficulttobemetwithinauthors，astheBayonneham，orBolognasausage，istobefoundintheshops。

Butthewhole，tocontinuethesamemetaphor，consistsinthecookeryoftheauthor；for，asMr。Popetellsus-

Truewitisnaturetoadvantagedrest；

Whatoftwasthought，butne’ersowellexprest。

Thesameanimalwhichhaththehonourtohavesomepartofhisflesheatenatthetableofaduke，mayperhapsbedegradedinanotherpart，andsomeofhislimbsgibbeted，asitwere，inthevileststallintown。Where，then，liesthedifferencebetweenthefoodofthenoblemanandtheporter，ifbothareatdinneronthesameoxorcalf，butintheseasoning，thedressing，thegarnishing，andthesettingforth？Hencetheoneprovokesandincitesthemostlanguidappetite，andtheotherturnsandpallsthatwhichisthesharpestandkeenest。

Inlikemanner，theexcellenceofthementalentertainmentconsistslessinthesubjectthanintheauthor’sskillinwelldressingitup。Howpleased，therefore，willthereaderbetofindthatwehave，inthefollowingwork，adheredcloselytooneofthehighestprinciplesofthebestcookwhichthepresentage，orperhapsthatofHeliogabalus，hathproduced。Thisgreatman，asiswellknowntoallloversofpoliteeating，beginsatfirstbysettingplainthingsbeforehishungryguests，risingafterwardsbydegreesastheirstomachsmaybesupposedtodecrease，totheveryquintessenceofsauceandspices。Inlikemanner，weshallrepresenthumannatureatfirsttothekeenappetiteofourreader，inthatmoreplainandsimplemannerinwhichitisfoundinthecountry，andshallhereafterhashandragooitwithallthehighFrenchandItalianseasoningofaffectationandvicewhichcourtsandcitiesafford。Bythesemeans，wedoubtnotbutourreadermayberendereddesiroustoreadonforever，asthegreatpersonjustabove-mentionedissupposedtohavemadesomepersonseat。

Havingpremisedthusmuch，wewillnowdetainthosewholikeourbilloffarenolongerfromtheirdiet，andshallproceeddirectlytoserveupthefirstcourseofourhistoryfortheirentertainment。

Chapter2

AshortdescriptionofSquireAllworthy，andafulleraccountofMissBridgetAllworthy，hissisterInthatpartofthewesterndivisionofthiskingdomwhichiscommonlycalledSomersetshire，therelatelylived，andperhapslivesstill，agentlemanwhosenamewasAllworthy，andwhomightwellbecalledthefavouriteofbothnatureandfortune；forbothoftheseseemtohavecontendedwhichshouldblessandenrichhimmost。Inthiscontention，naturemayseemtosometohavecomeoffvictorious，asshebestowedonhimmanygifts，whilefortunehadonlyonegiftinherpower；butinpouringforththis，shewassoveryprofuse，thatothersperhapsmaythinkthissingleendowmenttohavebeenmorethanequivalenttoallthevariousblessingswhichheenjoyedfromnature。Fromtheformerofthese，hederivedanagreeableperson，asoundconstitution，asolidunderstanding，andabenevolentheart；

bythelatter，hewasdecreedtotheinheritanceofoneofthelargestestatesinthecounty。

Thisgentlemanhadinhisyouthmarriedaveryworthyandbeautifulwoman，ofwhomhehadbeenextremelyfond:byherhehadthreechildren，allofwhomdiedintheirinfancy。Hehadlikewisehadthemisfortuneofburyingthisbelovedwifeherself，aboutfiveyearsbeforethetimeinwhichthishistorychusestosetout。Thisloss，howevergreat，heborelikeamanofsenseandconstancy，thoughitmustbeconfesthewouldoftentalkalittlewhimsicallyonthishead；forhesometimessaidhelookedonhimselfasstillmarried，andconsideredhiswifeasonlygonealittlebeforehim，ajourneywhichheshouldmostcertainly，soonerorlater，takeafterher；andthathehadnottheleastdoubtofmeetingheragaininaplacewhereheshouldneverpartwithhermore-sentimentsforwhichhissensewasarraignedbyonepartofhisneighbours，hisreligionbyasecond，andhissinceritybyathird。

Henowlived，forthemostpart，retiredinthecountry，withonesister，forwhomhehadaverytenderaffection。Thisladywasnowsomewhatpasttheageofthirty，anaeraatwhich，intheopinionofthemalicious，thetitleofoldmaidmaywithnoimproprietybeassumed。Shewasofthatspeciesofwomenwhomyoucommendratherforgoodqualitiesthanbeauty，andwhoaregenerallycalled，bytheirownsex，verygoodsortofwomen-asgoodasortofwoman，madam，asyouwouldwishtoknow。Indeed，shewassofarfromregrettingwantofbeauty，thatshenevermentionedthatperfection，ifitcanbecalledone，withoutcontempt；andwouldoftenthankGodshewasnotashandsomeasMissSuch-a-one，whomperhapsbeautyhadledintoerrorswhichshemighthaveotherwiseavoided。MissBridgetAllworthy(forthatwasthenameofthislady)veryrightlyconceivedthecharmsofpersoninawomantobenobetterthansnaresforherself，aswellasforothers；andyetsodiscreetwassheinherconduct，thatherprudencewasasmuchontheguardasifshehadallthesnarestoapprehendwhichwereeverlaidforherwholesex。Indeed，Ihaveobserved，thoughitmayseemunaccountabletothereader，thatthisguardofprudence，likethetrainedbands，isalwaysreadiesttogoondutywherethereistheleastdanger。Itoftenbaselyandcowardlydesertsthoseparagonsforwhomthemenareallwishing，sighing，dying，andspreadingeverynetintheirpower；andconstantlyattendsattheheelsofthathigherorderofwomenforwhomtheothersexhaveamoredistantandawfulrespect，andwhom(fromdespair，Isuppose，ofsuccess)theyneverventuretoattack。

Reader，Ithinkproper，beforeweproceedanyfarthertogether，toacquainttheethatIintendtodigress，throughthiswholehistory，asoftenasIseeoccasion，ofwhichIammyselfabetterjudgethananypitifulcriticwhatever；andhereImustdesireallthosecriticstomindtheirownbusiness，andnottointermeddlewithaffairsorworkswhichnowaysconcernthem；fortilltheyproducetheauthoritybywhichtheyareconstitutedjudges，Ishallnotpleadtotheirjurisdiction。

Chapter3

AnoddaccidentwhichbefelMr。Allworthyathisreturnhome。ThedecentbehaviourofMrs。DeborahWilkins，withsomeproperanimadversionsonbastardsIhavetoldmyreader，intheprecedingchapter，thatMr。

Allworthyinheritedalargefortune；thathehadagoodheart，andnofamily。Hence，doubtless，itwillbeconcludedbymanythathelivedlikeanhonestman，owednooneashilling，tooknothingbutwhatwashisown，keptagoodhouse，entertainedhisneighbourswithaheartywelcomeathistable，andwascharitabletothepoor，i。e。，tothosewhohadratherbegthanwork，bygivingthemtheoffalsfromit；thathediedimmenselyrichandbuiltanhospital。

Andtrueitisthathedidmanyofthesethings；buthadhedonenothingmoreIshouldhavelefthimtohaverecordedhisownmeritonsomefairfreestoneoverthedoorofthathospital。Mattersofamuchmoreextraordinarykindaretobethesubjectofthishistory，orIshouldgrosslymis-spendmytimeinwritingsovoluminousawork；

andyou，mysagaciousfriend，mightwithequalprofitandpleasuretravelthroughsomepageswhichcertaindrollauthorshavebeenfacetiouslypleasedtocallTheHistoryofEngland。

Mr。AllworthyhadbeenabsentafullquarterofayearinLondon，onsomeveryparticularbusiness，thoughIknownotwhatitwas；butjudgeofitsimportancebyitshavingdetainedhimsolongfromhome，whencehehadnotbeenabsentamonthatatimeduringthespaceofmanyyears。Hecametohishouseverylateintheevening，andafterashortsupperwithhissister，retiredmuchfatiguedtohischamber。Here，havingspentsomeminutesonhisknees-acustomwhichheneverbrokethroughonanyaccount-hewaspreparingtostepintobed，when，uponopeningthecloathes，tohisgreatsurprizehebeheldaninfant，wraptupinsomecoarselinen，inasweetandprofoundsleep，betweenhissheets。Hestoodsometimelostinastonishmentatthissight；but，asgoodnaturehadalwaystheascendantinhismind，hesoonbegantobetouchedwithsentimentsofcompassionforthelittlewretchbeforehim。Hethenranghisbell，andorderedanelderlywoman-servanttoriseimmediately，andcometohim；andinthemeantimewassoeagerincontemplatingthebeautyofinnocence，appearinginthoselivelycolourswithwhichinfancyandsleepalwaysdisplayit，thathisthoughtsweretoomuchengagedtoreflectthathewasinhisshirtwhenthematroncamein。Shehadindeedgivenhermastersufficienttimetodresshimself；foroutofrespecttohim，andregardtodecency，shehadspentmanyminutesinadjustingherhairatthelooking-glass，notwithstandingallthehurryinwhichshehadbeensummonedbytheservant，andthoughhermaster，foraughtsheknew，layexpiringinanapoplexy，orinsomeotherfit。

Itwillnotbewonderedatthatacreaturewhohadsostrictaregardtodecencyinherownperson，shouldbeshockedattheleastdeviationfromitinanother。Shethereforenosooneropenedthedoor，andsawhermasterstandingbythebedsideinhisshirt，withacandleinhishand，thanshestartedbackinamostterriblefright，andmightperhapshaveswoonedaway，hadhenotnowrecollectedhisbeingundrest，andputanendtoherterrorsbydesiringhertostaywithoutthedoortillhehadthrownsomecloathesoverhisback，andwasbecomeincapableofshockingthepureeyesofMrs。DeborahWilkins，who，thoughinthefifty-secondyearofherage，vowedshehadneverbeheldamanwithouthiscoat。Sneerersandprophanewitsmayperhapslaughatherfirstfright；yetmygraverreader，whenheconsidersthetimeofnight，thesummonsfromherbed，andthesituationinwhichshefoundhermaster，willhighlyjustifyandapplaudherconduct，unlesstheprudencewhichmustbesupposedtoattendmaidensatthatperiodoflifeatwhichMrs。Deborahhadarrived，shouldalittlelessenhisadmiration。

WhenMrs。Deborahreturnedintotheroom，andwasacquaintedbyhermasterwiththefindingthelittleinfant，herconsternationwasrathergreaterthanhishadbeen；norcouldsherefrainfromcryingout，withgreathorrorofaccentaswellaslook，"Mygoodsir！what’stobedone？"Mr。Allworthyanswered，shemusttakecareofthechildthatevening，andinthemorninghewouldgiveorderstoprovideitanurse。"Yes，sir，"saysshe；"andIhopeyourworshipwillsendoutyourwarranttotakeupthehussyitsmother，forshemustbeoneoftheneighbourhood；andIshouldbegladtoseehercommittedtoBridewell，andwhiptatthecart’stail。Indeed，suchwickedslutscannotbetooseverelypunished。I’llwarrant’tisnotherfirst，byherimpudenceinlayingittoyourworship。""Inlayingittome，Deborah！"answeredAllworthy:"Ican’tthinkshehathanysuchdesign。

Isupposeshehathonlytakenthismethodtoprovideforherchild；

andtrulyIamgladshehathnotdoneworse。""Idon’tknowwhatisworse，"criesDeborah，"thanforsuchwickedstrumpetstolaytheirsinsathonestmen’sdoors；andthoughyourworshipknowsyourowninnocence，yettheworldiscensorious；andithathbeenmanyanhonestman’shaptopassforthefatherofchildrenheneverbegot；

andifyourworshipshouldprovideforthechild，itmaymakethepeopletheaptertobelieve；besides，whyshouldyourworshipprovideforwhattheparishisobligedtomaintain？Formyownpart，ifitwasanhonestman’schild，indeed-butformyownpart，itgoesagainstmetotouchthesemisbegottenwretches，whomIdon’tlookuponasmyfellow-creatures。Faugh！howitstinks！ItdothnotsmelllikeaChristian。IfImightbesoboldtogivemyadvice，Iwouldhaveitputinabasket，andsentoutandlaidatthechurchwarden’sdoor。

Itisagoodnight，onlyalittlerainyandwindy；andifitwaswellwraptup，andputinawarmbasket，itistwotoonebutitlivestillitfoundinthemorning。Butifitshouldnot，wehavedischargedourdutyintakingpropercareofit；anditis，perhaps，bettersuchcreaturestodieinastateofinnocence，thantogrowupandimitatetheirmothers；fornothingbettercanbeexpectedofthem。"

ThereweresomestrokesinthisspeechwhichperhapswouldhaveoffendedMr。Allworthy，hadhestrictlyattendedtoit；buthehadnowgotoneofhisfingersintotheinfant’shand，which，byitsgentlepressure，seemingtoimplorehisassistance，hadcertainlyoutpleadedtheeloquenceofMrs。Deborah，haditbeententimesgreaterthanitwas。HenowgaveMrs。Deborahpositiveorderstotakethechildtoherownbed，andtocallupamaidservanttoprovideitpap，andotherthings，againstitwaked。Helikewiseorderedthatpropercloathesshouldbeprocuredforitearlyinthemorning，andthatitshouldbebroughttohimselfassoonashewasstirring。

SuchwasthediscernmentofMrs。Wilkins，andsuchtherespectsheborehermaster，underwhomsheenjoyedamostexcellentplace，thatherscruplesgavewaytohisperemptorycommands；andshetookthechildunderherarms，withoutanyapparentdisgustattheillegalityofitsbirth；anddeclaringitwasasweetlittleinfant，walkedoffwithittoherownchamber。

Allworthyherebetookhimselftothosepleasingslumberswhichaheartthathungersaftergoodnessisapttoenjoywhenthoroughlysatisfied。Asthesearepossiblysweeterthanwhatareoccasionedbyanyotherheartymeal，Ishouldtakemorepainstodisplaythemtothereader，ifIknewanyairtorecommendhimtofortheprocuringsuchanappetite。

Chapter4

Thereader’sneckbroughtintodangerbyadescription；hisescape；andthegreatcondescensionofMissBridgetAllworthyTheGothicstileofbuildingcouldproducenothingnoblerthanMr。

Allworthy’shouse。Therewasanairofgrandeurinitthatstruckyouwithawe，andrivalledthebeautiesofthebestGrecianarchitecture；anditwasascommodiouswithinasvenerablewithout。

Itstoodonthesouth-eastsideofahill，butnearerthebottomthanthetopofit，soastobeshelteredfromthenorth-eastbyagroveofoldoakswhichroseaboveitinagradualascentofnearhalfamile，andyethighenoughtoenjoyamostcharmingprospectofthevalleybeneath。

Inthemidstofthegrovewasafinelawn，slopingdowntowardsthehouse，nearthesummitofwhichroseaplentifulspring，gushingoutofarockcoveredwithfirs，andformingaconstantcascadeofaboutthirtyfeet，notcarrieddownaregularflightofsteps，buttumblinginanaturalfalloverthebrokenandmossystonestillitcametothebottomoftherock，thenrunningoffinapeblychannel，thatwithmanylesserfallswindedalong，tillitfellintoalakeatthefootofthehill，aboutaquarterofamilebelowthehouseonthesouthside，andwhichwasseenfromeveryroominthefront。

Outofthislake，whichfilledthecenterofabeautifulplain，embellishedwithgroupsofbeechesandelms，andfedwithsheep，issuedariver，thatforseveralmileswasseentomeanderthroughanamazingvarietyofmeadowsandwoodstillitemptieditselfintothesea，withalargearmofwhich，andanislandbeyondit，theprospectwasclosed。

Ontherightofthisvalleyopenedanotheroflessextent，adornedwithseveralvillages，andterminatedbyoneofthetowersofanoldruinedabby，grownoverwithivy，andpartofthefront，whichremainedstillentire。

Theleft-handscenepresentedtheviewofaveryfinepark，composedofveryunequalground，andagreeablyvariedwithallthediversitythathills，lawns，wood，andwater，laidoutwithadmirabletaste，butowinglesstoartthantonature，couldgive。Beyondthis，thecountrygraduallyroseintoaridgeofwildmountains，thetopsofwhichwereabovetheclouds。

ItwasnowthemiddleofMay，andthemorningwasremarkablyserene，whenMr。Allworthywalkedforthontheterrace，wherethedawnopenedeveryminutethatlovelyprospectwehavebeforedescribedtohiseye；andnowhavingsentforthstreamsoflight，whichascendedthebluefirmamentbeforehim，asharbingersprecedinghispomp，inthefullblazeofhismajestyrosethesun，thanwhichoneobjectaloneinthislowercreationcouldbemoreglorious，andthatMr。

Allworthyhimselfpresented-ahumanbeingrepletewithbenevolence，meditatinginwhatmannerhemightrenderhimselfmostacceptabletohisCreator，bydoingmostgoodtohiscreatures。

Reader，takecare。IhaveunadvisedlyledtheetothetopofashighahillasMr。Allworthyandhowtogettheedownwithoutbreakingthyneck，Idonotwellknow。However，letuse’enventuretoslidedowntogether；forMissBridgetringsherbell，andMr。Allworthyissummonedtobreakfast，whereImustattend，and，ifyouplease，shallbegladofyourcompany。

TheusualcomplimentshavingpastbetweenMr。AllworthyandMissBridget，andtheteabeingpouredout，hesummonedMrs。Wilkins，andtoldhissisterhehadapresentforher，forwhichshethankedhim-imagining，Isuppose，ithadbeenagown，orsomeornamentforherperson。Indeed，heveryoftenmadehersuchpresents；andshe，incomplacencetohim，spentmuchtimeinadorningherself。Isayincomplacencetohim，becauseshealwaysexprestthegreatestcontemptfordress，andforthoseladieswhomadeittheirstudy。

Butifsuchwasherexpectation，howwasshedisappointedwhenMrs。Wilkins，accordingtotheordershehadreceivedfromhermaster，producedthelittleinfant？Greatsurprizes，ashathbeenobserved，areapttobesilent；andsowasMissBridget，tillherbrotherbegan，andtoldherthewholestory，which，asthereaderknowsitalready，weshallnotrepeat。

MissBridgethadalwaysexprestsogreataregardforwhattheladiesarepleasedtocallvirtue，andhadherselfmaintainedsuchaseverityofcharacter，thatitwasexpected，especiallybyWilkins，thatshewouldhaveventedmuchbitternessonthisoccasion，andwouldhavevotedforsendingthechild，asakindofnoxiousanimal，immediatelyoutofthehouse；but，onthecontrary，sherathertookthegood-naturedsideofthequestion，intimatedsomecompassionforthehelplesslittlecreature，andcommendedherbrother’scharityinwhathehaddone。

PerhapsthereadermayaccountforthisbehaviourfromhercondescensiontoMr。Allworthy，whenwehaveinformedhimthatthegoodmanhadendedhisnarrativewithowningaresolutiontotakecareofthechild，andtobreedhimupashisown；for，toacknowledgethetruth，shewasalwaysreadytoobligeherbrother，andveryseldom，ifever，contradictedhissentiments。Shewould，indeed，sometimesmakeafewobservations，asthatmenwereheadstrong，andmusthavetheirownway，andwouldwishshehadbeenblestwithanindependentfortune；butthesewerealwaysventedinalowvoice，andatthemostamountedonlytowhatiscalledmuttering。

However，whatshewithheldfromtheinfant，shebestowedwiththeutmostprofusenessonthepoorunknownmother，whomshecalledanimpudentslut，awantonhussy，anaudaciousharlot，awickedjade，avilestrumpet，witheveryotherappellationwithwhichthetongueofvirtueneverfailstolashthosewhobringadisgraceonthesex。

Aconsultationwasnowenteredintohowtoproceedinordertodiscoverthemother。Ascrutinywasfirstmadeintothecharactersofthefemaleservantsofthehouse，whowereallacquittedbyMrs。

Wilkins，andwithapparentmerit；forshehadcollectedthemherself，andperhapsitwouldbedifficulttofindsuchanothersetofscarecrows。

Thenextstepwastoexamineamongtheinhabitantsoftheparish；

andthiswasreferredtoMrs。Wilkins，whowastoenquirewithallimaginablediligence，andtomakeherreportintheafternoon。

Mattersbeingthussettled，Mr。Allworthywithdrewtohisstudy，aswashiscustom，andleftthechildtohissister，who，athisdesire，hadundertakenthecareofit。

Chapter5

Containingafewcommonmatters，withaveryuncommonobservationuponthemWhenhermasterwasdeparted，Mrs。Deborahstoodsilent，expectinghercuefromMissBridget；forastowhathadpastbeforehermaster，theprudenthousekeeperbynomeansrelieduponit，asshehadoftenknownthesentimentsoftheladyinherbrother’sabsencetodiffergreatlyfromthosewhichshehadexpressedinhispresence。

MissBridgetdidnot，however，sufferhertocontinuelonginthisdoubtfulsituation；forhavinglookedsometimeearnestlyatthechild，asitlayasleepinthelapofMrs。Deborah，thegoodladycouldnotforbeargivingitaheartykiss，atthesametimedeclaringherselfwonderfullypleasedwithitsbeautyandinnocence。

Mrs。Deborahnosoonerobservedthisthanshefelltosqueezingandkissing，withasgreatrapturesassometimesinspirethesagedameoffortyandfivetowardsayouthfulandvigorousbridegroom，cryingout，inashrillvoice，"O，thedearlittlecreature！-Thedear，sweet，prettycreature！Well，Ivowitisasfineaboyaseverwasseen！"

Theseexclamationscontinuedtilltheywereinterruptedbythelady，whonowproceededtoexecutethecommissiongivenherbyherbrother，andgaveordersforprovidingallnecessariesforthechild，appointingaverygoodroominthehouseforhisnursery。Herorderswereindeedsoliberal，that，haditbeenachildofherown，shecouldnothaveexceededthem；but，lestthevirtuousreadermaycondemnherforshowingtoogreatregardtoabase-borninfant，towhichallcharityiscondemnedbylawasirreligious，wethinkpropertoobservethatsheconcludedthewholewithsaying，"Sinceitwasherbrother’swhimtoadoptthelittlebrat，shesupposedlittlemastermustbetreatedwithgreattenderness。Forherpart，shecouldnothelpthinkingitwasanencouragementtovice；butthatsheknewtoomuchoftheobstinacyofmankindtoopposeanyoftheirridiculoushumours。"

Withreflectionsofthisnaturesheusually，ashasbeenhinted，accompaniedeveryactofcompliancewithherbrother’sinclinations；

andsurelynothingcouldmorecontributetoheightenthemeritofthiscompliancethanadeclarationthatsheknew，atthesametime，thefollyandunreasonablenessofthoseinclinationstowhichshesubmitted。Tacitobedienceimpliesnoforceuponthewill，andconsequentlymaybeeasily，andwithoutanypains，preserved；butwhenawife，achild，arelation，orafriend，performswhatwedesire，withgrumblingandreluctance，withexpressionsofdislikeanddissatisfaction，themanifestdifficultywhichtheyundergomustgreatlyenhancetheobligation。

Asthisisoneofthosedeepobservationswhichveryfewreaderscanbesupposedcapableofmakingthemselves，Ihavethoughtpropertolendthemmyassistance；butthisisafavourrarelytobeexpectedinthecourseofmywork；Indeed，Ishallseldomorneversoindulgehim，unlessinsuchinstancesasthis，wherenothingbuttheinspirationwithwhichwewritersaregifted，canpossiblyenableanyonetomakethediscovery。

Chapter6

Mrs。Deborahisintroducedintotheparishwithasimile。AshortaccountofJennyJones，withthedifficultiesanddiscouragementswhichmayattendyoungwomeninthepursuitoflearningMrs。Deborah，havingdisposedofthechildaccordingtothewillofhermaster，nowpreparedtovisitthosehabitationswhichweresupposedtoconcealitsmother。

Nototherwisethanwhenakite，tremendousbird，isbeheldbythefeatheredgenerationsoaringaloft，andhoveringovertheirheads，theamorousdove，andeveryinnocentlittlebird，spreadwidethealarm，andflytremblingtotheirhiding-places。Heproudlybeatstheair，consciousofhisdignity，andmeditatesintendedmischief。

SowhentheapproachofMrs。Deborahwasproclaimedthroughthestreet，alltheinhabitantsrantremblingintotheirhouses，eachmatrondreadinglestthevisitshouldfalltoherlot。Shewithstatelystepsproudlyadvancesoverthefield:aloftshebearshertoweringhead，filledwithconceitofherownpreeminence，andschemestoeffectherintendeddiscovery。

ThesagaciousreaderwillnotfromthissimileimaginethesepoorpeoplehadanyapprehensionofthedesignwithwhichMrs。Wilkinswasnowcomingtowardsthem；butasthegreatbeautyofthesimilemaypossiblysleepthesehundredyears，tillsomefuturecommentatorshalltakethisworkinhand，Ithinkpropertolendthereaderalittleassistanceinthisplace。

Itismyintention，therefore，tosignify，that，asitisthenatureofakitetodevourlittlebirds，soisitthenatureofsuchpersonsasMrs。Wilkinstoinsultandtyrannizeoverlittlepeople。

Thisbeingindeedthemeanswhichtheyusetorecompensetothemselvestheirextremeservilityandcondescensiontotheirsuperiors；fornothingcanbemorereasonable，thanthatslavesandflatterersshouldexactthesametaxesonallbelowthem，whichtheythemselvespaytoallabovethem。

WheneverMrs。DeborahhadoccasiontoexertanyextraordinarycondescensiontoMissBridget，andbythatmeanshadalittlesouredhernaturaldisposition，itwasusualwithhertowalkforthamongthesepeople，inordertorefinehertemper，byventing，and，asitwere，purgingoffallillhumours；onwhichaccountshewasbynomeansawelcomevisitant:tosaythetruth，shewasuniversallydreadedandhatedbythemall。

Onherarrivalinthisplace，shewentimmediatelytothehabitationofanelderlymatron；towhom，asthismatronhadthegoodfortunetoresembleherselfinthecomelinessofherperson，aswellasinherage，shehadgenerallybeenmorefavourablethantoanyoftherest。

Tothiswomansheimpartedwhathadhappened，andthedesignuponwhichshewascomethitherthatmorning。Thesetwobeganpresentlytoscrutinizethecharactersoftheseveralyounggirlswholivedinanyofthosehouses，andatlastfixedtheirstrongestsuspicionononeJennyJones，who，theybothagreed，wasthelikeliestpersontohavecommittedthisfact。

ThisJennyJoneswasnoverycomelygirl，eitherinherfaceorperson；butnaturehadsomewhatcompensatedthewantofbeautywithwhatisgenerallymoreesteemedbythoseladieswhosejudgmentisarrivedatyearsofperfectmaturity，forshehadgivenheraveryuncommonshareofunderstanding。ThisgiftJennyhadagooddealimprovedbyerudition。Shehadlivedseveralyearsaservantwithaschoolmaster，who，discoveringagreatquicknessofpartsinthegirl，andanextraordinarydesireoflearning-foreveryleisurehourshewasalwaysfoundreadinginthebooksofthescholars-hadthegood-nature，orfolly-justasthereaderpleasestocallit-toinstructhersofar，thatsheobtainedacompetentskillintheLatinlanguage，andwas，perhaps，asgoodascholarasmostoftheyoungmenofqualityoftheage。Thisadvantage，however，likemostothersofanextraordinarykind，wasattendedwithsomesmallinconveniences:forasitisnottobewonderedat，thatayoungwomansowellaccomplishedshouldhavelittlerelishforthesocietyofthosewhomfortunehadmadeherequals，butwhomeducationhadrenderedsomuchherinferiors；soitismatterofnogreaterastonishment，thatthissuperiorityinJenny，togetherwiththatbehaviourwhichisitscertainconsequence，shouldproduceamongtherestsomelittleenvyandill-willtowardsher；andthesehad，perhaps，secretlyburntinthebosomsofherneighbourseversinceherreturnfromherservice。

Theirenvydidnot，however，displayitselfopenly，tillpoorJenny，tothesurprizeofeverybody，andtothevexationofalltheyoungwomenintheseparts，hadpublicklyshoneforthonaSundayinanewsilkgown，withalacedcap，andotherproperappendagestothese。

Theflame，whichhadbeforelaininembryo，nowburstforth。Jennyhad，byherlearning，increasedherownpride，whichnoneofherneighbourswerekindenoughtofeedwiththehonoursheseemedtodemand；andnow，insteadofrespectandadoration，shegainednothingbuthatredandabusebyherfinery。Thewholeparishdeclaredshecouldnotcomehonestlybysuchthings；andparents，insteadofwishingtheirdaughtersthesame，felicitatedthemselvesthattheirchildrenhadthemnot。

Hence，perhaps，itwas，thatthegoodwomanfirstmentionedthenameofthispoorgirltoMrs。Wilkins；buttherewasanothercircumstancethatconfirmedthelatterinhersuspicion；forJennyhadlatelybeenoftenatMr。Allworthy’shouse。ShehadofficiatedasnursetoMissBridget，inaviolentfitofillness，andhadsatupmanynightswiththatlady；besideswhich，shehadbeenseentheretheverydaybeforeMr。Allworthy’sreturn，byMrs。Wilkinsherself，thoughthatsagaciouspersonhadnotatfirstconceivedanysuspicionofheronthataccount；for，assheherselfsaid，"ShehadalwaysesteemedJennyasaverysobergirl(thoughindeedsheknewverylittleofher)，andhadrathersuspectedsomeofthosewantontrollops，whogavethemselvesairs，because，forsooth，theythoughtthemselveshandsome。"

JennywasnowsummonedtoappearinpersonbeforeMrs。Deborah，whichsheimmediatelydid。WhenMrs。Deborah，puttingonthegravityofajudge，withsomewhatmorethanhisausterity，begananorationwiththewords，"Youaudaciousstrumpet！"inwhichsheproceededrathertopasssentenceontheprisonerthantoaccuseher。

ThoughMrs。DeborahwasfullysatisfiedoftheguiltofJenny，fromthereasonsaboveshown，itispossibleMr。Allworthymighthaverequiredsomestrongerevidencetohaveconvictedher；butshesavedheraccusersanysuchtrouble，byfreelyconfessingthewholefactwithwhichshewascharged。

Thisconfession，thoughdeliveredratherintermsofcontrition，asitappeared，didnotatallmollifyMrs。Deborah，whonowpronouncedasecondjudgmentagainsther，inmoreopprobriouslanguagethanbefore；norhaditanybettersuccesswiththebystanders，whowerenowgrownverynumerous。Manyofthemcriedout，"Theythoughtwhatmadam’ssilkgownwouldendin"；othersspokesarcasticallyofherlearning。NotasinglefemalewaspresentbutfoundsomemeansofexpressingherabhorrenceofpoorJenny，whoboreallverypatiently，exceptthemaliceofonewoman，whoreflecteduponherperson，andtossinguphernose，said，"Themanmusthaveagoodstomachwhowouldgivesilkgownsforsuchsortoftrumpery！"Jennyrepliedtothiswithabitternesswhichmighthavesurprizedajudiciousperson，whohadobservedthetranquillitywithwhichsheborealltheaffrontstoherchastity；butherpatiencewasperhapstiredout，forthisisavirtuewhichisveryapttobefatiguedbyexercise。

Mrs。Deborahhavingsucceededbeyondherhopesinherinquiry，returnedwithmuchtriumph，and，attheappointedhour，madeafaithfulreporttoMr。Allworthy，whowasmuchsurprizedattherelation；forhehadheardoftheextraordinarypartsandimprovementsofthisgirl，whomheintendedtohavegiveninmarriage，togetherwithasmallliving，toaneighbouringcurate。Hisconcern，therefore，onthisoccasion，wasatleastequaltothesatisfactionwhichappearedinMrs。Deborah，andtomanyreadersmayseemmuchmorereasonable。

MissBridgetblessedherself，andsaid，"Forherpart，sheshouldneverhereafterentertainagoodopinionofanywoman。"ForJennybeforethishadthehappinessofbeingmuchinhergoodgracesalso。

TheprudenthousekeeperwasagaindispatchedtobringtheunhappyculpritbeforeMr。Allworthy，inorder，notasitwashopedbysome，andexpectedbyall，tobesenttotheHouseofCorrection，buttoreceivewholesomeadmonitionandreproof；whichthosewhorelishthatkindofinstructivewritingmayperuseinthenextchapter。

Chapter7

Containingsuchgravematter，thatthereadercannotlaughoncethroughthewholechapter，unlessperadventureheshouldlaughattheauthorWhenJennyappeared，Mr。Allworthytookherintohisstudy，andspoketoherasfollows:"Youknow，child，itisinmypowerasamagistrate，topunishyouveryrigorouslyforwhatyouhavedone；

andyouwill，perhaps，bethemoreapttofearIshouldexecutethatpower，becauseyouhaveinamannerlaidyoursinsatmydoor。

"But，perhaps，thisisonereasonwhichhathdeterminedmetoactinamildermannerwithyou:for，asnoprivateresentmentshouldeverinfluenceamagistrate，Iwillbesofarfromconsideringyourhavingdepositedtheinfantinmyhouseasanaggravationofyouroffence，thatIwillsuppose，inyourfavour，thistohaveproceededfromanaturalaffectiontoyourchild，sinceyoumighthavesomehopestoseeitthusbetterprovidedforthanwasinthepowerofyourself，oritswickedfather，toprovideforit。Ishouldindeedhavebeenhighlyoffendedwithyouhadyouexposedthelittlewretchinthemannerofsomeinhumanmothers，whoseemnolesstohaveabandonedtheirhumanity，thantohavepartedwiththeirchastity。

Itistheotherpartofyouroffence，therefore，uponwhichIintendtoadmonishyou，Imeantheviolationofyourchastity；-acrime，howeverlightlyitmaybetreatedbydebauchedpersons，veryheinousinitself，andverydreadfulinitsconsequences。

"TheheinousnatureofthisoffencemustbesufficientlyapparenttoeveryChristian，inasmuchasitiscommittedindefianceofthelawsofourreligion，andoftheexpresscommandsofHimwhofoundedthatreligion。

"Andhereitsconsequencesmaywellbearguedtobedreadful；forwhatcanbemoreso，thantoincurthedivinedispleasure，bythebreachofthedivinecommands；andthatinaninstanceagainstwhichthehighestvengeanceisspecificallydenounced？

"Butthesethings，thoughtoolittle，Iamafraid，regarded，aresoplain，thatmankind，howevertheymaywanttobereminded，canneverneedinformationonthishead。Ahint，therefore，toawakenyoursenseofthismatter，shallsuffice；forIwouldinspireyouwithrepentance，andnotdriveyoutodesperation。

"Thereareotherconsequences，notindeedsodreadfulorrepletewithhorrorasthis；andyetsuch，as，ifattentivelyconsidered，must，onewouldthink，deterallofyoursexatleastfromthecommissionofthiscrime。

"Forbyityouarerenderedinfamous，anddriven，likelepersofold，outofsociety；atleast，fromthesocietyofallbutwickedandreprobatepersons；fornootherswillassociatewithyou。

"Ifyouhavefortunes，youareherebyrenderedincapableofenjoyingthem；ifyouhavenone，youaredisabledfromacquiringany，nayalmostofprocuringyoursustenance；fornopersonsofcharacterwillreceiveyouintotheirhouses。Thusyouareoftendrivenbynecessityitselfintoastateofshameandmisery，whichunavoidablyendsinthedestructionofbothbodyandsoul。

"Cananypleasurecompensatetheseevils？Cananytemptationhavesophistryanddelusionstrongenoughtopersuadeyoutososimpleabargain？Orcananycarnalappetitesooverpoweryourreason，orsototallylayitasleep，astopreventyourflyingwithaffrightandterrorfromacrimewhichcarriessuchpunishmentalwayswithit？

"Howbaseandmeanmustthatwomanbe，howvoidofthatdignityofmind，anddecentpride，withoutwhichwearenotworthythenameofhumancreatures，whocanbeartolevelherselfwiththelowestanimal，andtosacrificeallthatisgreatandnobleinher，allherheavenlypart，toanappetitewhichshehathincommonwiththevilestbranchofthecreation！Fornowoman，sure，willpleadthepassionofloveforanexcuse。Thiswouldbetoownherselfthemeretoolandbubbleoftheman。Love，howeverbarbarouslywemaycorruptandpervertitsmeaning，asitisalaudable，isarationalpassion，andcanneverbeviolentbutwhenreciprocal；forthoughtheScripturebidsusloveourenemies，itmeansnotwiththatferventlovewhichwenaturallybeattowardsourfriends；muchlessthatweshouldsacrificetothemourlives，andwhatoughttobedearertous，ourinnocence。

Nowinwhatlight，butthatofanenemy，canareasonablewomanregardthemanwhosolicitshertoentailonherselfallthemiseryIhavedescribedtoyou，andwhowouldpurchasetohimselfashort，trivial，contemptiblepleasure，sogreatlyatherexpense！For，bythelawsofcustom，thewholeshame，withallitsdreadfulconsequences，fallsintirelyuponher。Canlove，whichalwaysseeksthegoodofitsobject，attempttobetrayawomanintoabargainwheresheissogreatlytobetheloser？Ifsuchcorrupter，therefore，shouldhavetheimpudencetopretendarealaffectionforher，oughtnotthewomantoregardhimnotonlyasanenemy，butastheworstofallenemies，afalse，designing，treacherous，pretendedfriend，whointendsnotonlytodebauchherbody，butherunderstandingatthesametime？"

HereJennyexpressinggreatconcern，Allworthypausedamoment，andthenproceeded:"Ihavetalkedthustoyou，child，nottoinsultyouforwhatispastandirrevocable，buttocautionandstrengthenyouforthefuture。NorshouldIhavetakenthistrouble，butfromsomeopinionofyourgoodsense，notwithstandingthedreadfulslipyouhavemade；andfromsomehopesofyourheartyrepentance，whicharefoundedontheopennessandsincerityofyourconfession。Ifthesedonotdeceiveme，Iwilltakecaretoconveyyoufromthissceneofyourshame，whereyoushall，bybeingunknown，avoidthepunishmentwhich，asIhavesaid，isallottedtoyourcrimeinthisworld；andIhope，byrepentance，youwillavoidthemuchheaviersentencedenouncedagainstitintheother。Beagoodgirltherestofyourdays，andwantshallbenomotivetoyourgoingastray；and，believeme，thereismorepleasure，eveninthisworld，inaninnocentandvirtuouslife，thaninonedebauchedandvicious。

"Astoyourchild，letnothoughtsconcerningitmolestyou；I

willprovideforitinabettermannerthanyoucaneverhope。Andnownothingremainsbutthatyouinformmewhowasthewickedmanthatseducedyou；formyangeragainsthimwillbemuchgreaterthanyouhaveexperiencedonthisoccasion。"

Jennynowliftedhereyesfromtheground，andwithamodestlookanddecentvoicethusbegan:-

"Toknowyou，sir，andnotloveyourgoodness，wouldbeanargumentoftotalwantofsenseorgoodnessinanyone。Inmeitwouldamounttothehighestingratitude，nottofeel，inthemostsensiblemanner，thegreatdegreeofgoodnessyouhavebeenpleasedtoexertonthisoccasion。Astomyconcernforwhatispast，Iknowyouwillsparemyblushestherepetition。MyfutureconductwillmuchbetterdeclaremysentimentsthananyprofessionsIcannowmake。Ibegleavetoassureyou，sir，thatItakeyouradvicemuchkinderthanyourgenerousofferwithwhichyouconcludedit；for，asyouarepleasedtosay，sir，itisaninstanceofyouropinionofmyunderstanding。"-

Herehertearsflowingapace，shestoppedafewmoments，andthenproceededthus:-"Indeed，sir，yourkindnessovercomesme；butIwillendeavourtodeservethisgoodopinion:forifIhavetheunderstandingyouaresokindlypleasedtoallowme，suchadvicecannotbethrownawayuponme。Ithankyou，sir，heartily，foryourintendedkindnesstomypoorhelplesschild:heisinnocent，andI

hopewilllivetobegratefulforallthefavoursyoushallshowhim。

Butnow，sir，Imustonmykneesentreatyounottopersistinaskingmetodeclarethefatherofmyinfant。Ipromiseyoufaithfullyyoushallonedayknow；butIamunderthemostsolemntiesandengagementsofhonour，aswellasthemostreligiousvowsandprotestations，toconcealhisnameatthistime。AndIknowyoutoowell，tothinkyouwoulddesireIshouldsacrificeeithermyhonourormyreligion。"

Mr。Allworthy，whomtheleastmentionofthosesacredwordswassufficienttostagger，hesitatedamomentbeforehereplied，andthentoldher，shehaddonewrongtoenterintosuchengagementstoavillain；butsinceshehad，hecouldnotinsistonherbreakingthem。Hesaid，itwasnotfromamotiveofvaincuriosityhehadinquired，butinordertopunishthefellow；atleast，thathemightnotignorantlyconferfavoursontheundeserving。

Astothesepoints，Jennysatisfiedhimbythemostsolemnassurances，thatthemanwasentirelyoutofhisreach；andwasneithersubjecttohispower，norinanyprobabilityofbecominganobjectofhisgoodness。

TheingenuityofthisbehaviourhadgainedJennysomuchcreditwiththisworthyman，thatheeasilybelievedwhatshetoldhim；forasshehaddisdainedtoexcuseherselfbyalie，andhadhazardedhisfurtherdispleasureinherpresentsituation，ratherthanshewouldforfeitherhonourorintegritybybetrayinganother，hehadbutlittleapprehensionsthatshewouldbeguiltyoffalsehoodtowardshimself。

Hethereforedismissedherwithassurancesthathewouldverysoonremoveheroutofthereachofthatobloquyshehadincurred；

concludingwithsomeadditionaldocuments，inwhichherecommendedrepentance，saying，"Consider，child，thereisOnestilltoreconcileyourselfto，whosefavourisofmuchgreaterimportancetoyouthanmine。"

Chapter8

AdialoguebetweenMesdamesBridgetandDeborah；containingmoreamusement，butlessinstruction，thantheformerWhenMr。AllworthyhadretiredtohisstudywithJennyJones，ashathbeenseen，Mrs。Bridget，withthegoodhousekeeper，hadbetakenthemselvestoapostnextadjoiningtothesaidstudy；whence，throughtheconveyanceofakeyhole，theysuckedinattheirearstheinstructivelecturedeliveredbyMr。Allworthy，togetherwiththeanswersofJenny，andindeedeveryotherparticularwhichpassedinthelastchapter。

Thisholeinherbrother’sstudy-doorwasindeedaswellknowntoMrs。Bridget，andhadbeenasfrequentlyappliedtobyher，asthefamousholeinthewallwasbyThisbeofold。Thisservedtomanygoodpurposes。ForbysuchmeansMrs。Bridgetbecameoftenacquaintedwithherbrother’sinclinations，withoutgivinghimthetroubleofrepeatingthemtoher。Itistrue，someinconveniencesattendedthisintercourse，andshehadsometimesreasontocryoutwithThisbe，inShakespear，"O，wicked，wickedwall！"ForasMr。Allworthywasajusticeofpeace，certainthingsoccurredinexaminationsconcerningbastards，andsuchlike，whichareapttogivegreatoffencetothechasteearsofvirgins，especiallywhentheyapproachtheageofforty，aswasthecaseofMissBridget。However，shehad，onsuchoccasions，theadvantageofconcealingherblushesfromtheeyesofmen；andDenonapparentibus，etnonexistentibuseademestratio*-inEnglish，"Whenawomanisnotseentoblush，shedothnotblushatall。"

*Thingswhichdonotappeararetobetreatedthesameasthosewhichdonotexist-COKE

BoththegoodwomenkeptstrictsilenceduringthewholescenebetweenMr。Allworthyandthegirl；butassoonasitwasended，andthatgentlemanwasoutofhearing，Mrs。Deborahcouldnothelpexclaimingagainsttheclemencyofhermaster，andespeciallyagainsthissufferinghertoconcealthefatherofthechild，whichshesworeshewouldhaveoutofherbeforethesunset。

AtthesewordsMissBridgetdiscomposedherfeatureswithasmile(athingveryunusualtoher)。NotthatIwouldhavemyreaderimagine，thatthiswasoneofthosewantonsmileswhichHomerwouldhaveyouconceivecamefromVenus，whenhecallsherthelaughter-lovinggoddess；norwasitoneofthosesmileswhichLadySeraphinashootsfromthestage-box，andwhichVenuswouldquitherimmortalitytobeabletoequal。No，thiswasratheroneofthosesmileswhichmightbesupposedtohavecomefromthedimpledcheeksoftheaugustTisiphone，orfromoneofthemisses，hersisters。

Withsuchasmilethen，andwithavoicesweetastheeveningbreezeofBoreasinthepleasantmonthofNovember，MissBridgetgentlyreprovedthecuriosityofMrs。Deborah；avicewithwhichitseemsthelatterwastoomuchtainted，andwhichtheformerinveighedagainstwithgreatbitterness，adding，"That，amongallherfaults，shethankedHeavenherenemiescouldnotaccuseherofpryingintotheaffairsofotherpeople。"

ShethenproceededtocommendthehonourandspiritwithwhichJennyhadacted。Shesaid，shecouldnothelpagreeingwithherbrother，thattherewassomemeritinthesincerityofherconfession，andinherintegritytoherlover:thatshehadalwaysthoughtheraverygoodgirl，anddoubtednotbutshehadbeenseducedbysomerascal，whohadbeeninfinitelymoretoblamethanherself，andveryprobablyhadprevailedwithherbyapromiseofmarriage，orsomeothertreacherousproceeding。

ThisbehaviourofMissBridgetgreatlysurprisedMrs。Deborah；forthiswell-bredwomanseldomopenedherlips，eithertohermasterorhissister，tillshehadfirstsoundedtheirinclinations，withwhichhersentimentswerealwaysconsonant。Here，however，shethoughtshemighthavelaunchedforthwithsafety；andthesagaciousreaderwillnotperhapsaccuseherofwantofsufficientforecastinsodoing，butwillratheradmirewithwhatwonderfulcelerityshetackedabout，whenshefoundherselfsteeringawrongcourse。

"Nay，madam，"saidthisablewoman，andtrulygreatpolitician，"I

mustownIcannothelpadmiringthegirl’sspirit，aswellasyourladyship。And，asyourladyshipsays，ifshewasdeceivedbysomewickedman，thepoorwretchistobepitied。Andtobesure，asyourladyshipsays，thegirlhathalwaysappearedlikeagood，honest，plaingirl，andnotvainofherface，forsooth，assomewantonhusseysintheneighbourhoodare。"

"Yousaytrue，Deborah，"saidMissBridget。"Ifthegirlhadbeenoneofthosevaintrollops，ofwhichwehavetoomanyintheparish，I

shouldhavecondemnedmybrotherforhislenitytowardsher。Isawtwofarmers’daughtersatchurch，theotherday，withbarenecks。I

protesttheyshockedme。Ifwencheswillhangoutluresforfellows，itisnomatterwhattheysuffer。Idetestsuchcreatures；anditwouldbemuchbetterforthemthattheirfaceshadbeenseamedwiththesmallpox；butImustconfess，IneversawanyofthiswantonbehaviourinpoorJenny:someartfulvillain，Iamconvinced，hathbetrayed，nayperhapsforcedher；andIpitythepoorwretchwithallmyheart。"

Mrs。Deborahapprovedallthesesentiments，andthedialogueconcludedwithageneralandbitterinvectiveagainstbeauty，andwithmanycompassionateconsiderationsforallhonest，plaingirlswhoaredeludedbythewickedartsofdeceitfulmen。

Chapter9

ContainingmatterswhichwillsurprizethereaderJennyreturnedhomewellpleasedwiththereceptionshehadmetwithfromMr。Allworthy，whoseindulgencetohersheindustriouslymadepublic；partlyperhapsasasacrificetoherownpride，andpartlyfromthemoreprudentmotiveofreconcilingherneighbourstoher，andsilencingtheirclamours。

Butthoughthislatterview，ifsheindeedhadit，mayappearreasonableenough，yettheeventdidnotanswerherexpectation；forwhenshewasconvenedbeforethejustice，anditwasuniversallyapprehendedthattheHouseofCorrectionwouldhavebeenherfate，thoughsomeoftheyoungwomencryedout"Itwasgoodenoughforher，"

anddivertedthemselveswiththethoughtsofherbeatinghempinasilkgown；yetthereweremanyotherswhobegantopityhercondition:

butwhenitwasknowninwhatmannerMr。Allworthyhadbehaved，thetideturnedagainsther。Onesaid，"I’llassureyou，madamhathhadgoodluck。"Asecondcryed，"Seewhatitistobeafavourite！"A

third，"Ay，thiscomesofherlearning。"Everypersonmadesomemaliciouscommentorotherontheoccasion，andreflectedonthepartialityofthejustice。

Thebehaviourofthesepeoplemayappearimpoliticandungratefultothereader，whoconsidersthepowerandbenevolenceofMr。

Allworthy。Butastohispower，heneverusedit；andastohisbenevolence，heexertedsomuch，thathehadtherebydisobligedallhisneighbours；foritisasecretwellknowntogreatmen，that，byconferringanobligation，theydonotalwaysprocureafriend，butarecertainofcreatingmanyenemies。

Jennywas，however，bythecareandgoodnessofMr。Allworthy，soonremovedoutofthereachofreproach；whenmalicebeingnolongerabletoventitsrageonher，begantoseekanotherobjectofitsbitterness，andthiswasnolessthanMr。Allworthy，himself；forawhispersoonwentabroad，thathehimselfwasthefatherofthefoundlingchild。

Thissuppositionsowellreconciledhisconducttothegeneralopinion，thatitmetwithuniversalassent；andtheoutcryagainsthislenitysoonbegantotakeanotherturn，andwaschangedintoaninvectiveagainsthiscrueltytothepoorgirl。Verygraveandgoodwomenexclaimedagainstmenwhobegotchildren，andthendisownedthem。Norweretherewantingsome，who，afterthedepartureofJenny，insinuatedthatshewasspiritedawaywithadesigntooblacktobementioned，andwhogavefrequenthintsthatalegalinquiryoughttobemadeintothewholematter，andthatsomepeopleshouldbeforcedtoproducethegirl。

Thesecalumniesmighthaveprobablyproducedillconsequences，attheleastmightgaveoccasionedsometrouble，toapersonofamoredoubtfulandsuspiciouscharacterthanMr。Allworthywasblessedwith；

butinhiscasetheyhadnosucheffect；and，beingheartilydespisedbyhim，theyservedonlytoaffordaninnocentamusementtothegoodgossipsoftheneighbourhood。

Butaswecannotpossiblydivinewhatcomplectionourreadermaybeof，andasitwillbesometimebeforehewillhearanymoreofJenny，wethinkpropertogivehimaveryearlyintimation，thatMr。

Allworthywas，andwillhereafterappeartobe，absolutelyinnocentofanycriminalintentionwhatever。Hehadindeedcommittednootherthananerrorinpolitics，bytemperingjusticewithmercy，andbyrefusingtogratifythegood-natureddispositionofthemob，*withanobjectfortheircompassiontoworkoninthepersonofpoorJenny，whom，inordertopity，theydesiredtohaveseensacrificedtoruinandinfamy，byashamefulcorrectioninBridewell。

*Wheneverthiswordoccursinourwritings，itintendspersonswithoutvirtueorsense，inallstations；andmanyofthehighestrankareoftenmeantbyit。

Sofarfromcomplyingwiththistheirinclination，bywhichallhopesofreformationwouldhavebeenabolished，andeventhegateshutagainstherifherowninclinationsshouldeverhereafterleadhertochusetheroadofvirtue，Mr。Allworthyratherchosetoencouragethegirltoreturnthitherbytheonlypossiblemeans；fortootrueIamafraiditis，thatmanywomenhavebecomeabandoned，andhavesunktothelastdegreeofvice，bybeingunabletoretrievethefirstslip。Thiswillbe，Iamafraid，alwaysthecasewhiletheyremainamongtheirformeracquaintance；itwasthereforewiselydonebyMr。

Allworthy，toremoveJennytoaplacewhereshemightenjoythepleasureofreputation，afterhavingtastedtheillconsequencesoflosingit。

Tothisplacetherefore，whereveritwas，wewillwishheragoodjourney，andforthepresenttakeleaveofher，andofthelittlefoundlingherchild，havingmattersofmuchhigherimportancetocommunicatetothereader。

Chapter10

ThehospitalityofAllworthy；withashortsketchofthecharactersoftwobrothers，adoctorandacaptain，whowereentertainedbythatgentlemanNeitherMr。Allworthy’shouse，norhisheart，wereshutagainstanypartofmankind，buttheywerebothmoreparticularlyopentomenofmerit。Tosaythetruth，thiswastheonlyhouseinthekingdomwhereyouwassuretogainadinnerbydeservingit。

Aboveallothers，menofgeniusandlearningsharedtheprincipalplaceinhisfavour；andinthesehehadmuchdiscernment:forthoughhehadmissedtheadvantageofalearnededucation，yet，beingblestwithvastnaturalabilities，hehadsowellprofitedbyavigorousthoughlateapplicationtoletters，andbymuchconversationwithmenofeminenceinthisway，thathewashimselfaverycompetentjudgeinmostkindsofliterature。

Itisnowonderthatinanagewhenthiskindofmeritissolittleinfashion，andsoslenderlyprovidedfor，personspossessedofitshouldveryeagerlyflocktoaplacewheretheyweresureofbeingreceivedwithgreatcomplaisance；indeed，wheretheymightenjoyalmostthesameadvantagesofaliberalfortuneasiftheywereentitledtoitintheirownright；forMr。Allworthywasnotoneofthosegenerouspersonswhoarereadymostbountifullytobestowmeat，drink，andlodgingonmenofwitandlearning，forwhichtheyexpectnootherreturnbutentertainment，instruction，flattery，andsubserviency；inaword，thatsuchpersonsshouldbeenrolledinthenumberofdomestics，withoutwearingtheirmaster’scloathes，orreceivingwages。

Onthecontrary，everypersoninthishousewasperfectmasterofhisowntime:andashemightathispleasuresatisfyallhisappetiteswithintherestrictionsonlyoflaw，virtue，andreligion；

sohemight，ifhishealthrequired，orhisinclinationpromptedhimtotemperance，oreventoabstinence，absenthimselffromanymeals，orretirefromthem，wheneverhewassodisposed，withoutevenasollicitationtothecontrary:for，indeed，suchsollicitationsfromsuperiorsalwayssavourverystronglyofcommands。Butallherewerefreefromsuchimpertinence，notonlythosewhosecompanyisinallotherplacesesteemedafavourfromtheirequalityoffortune，buteventhosewhoseindigentcircumstancesmakesuchaneleemosynaryabodeconvenienttothem，andwhoarethereforelesswelcometoagreatman’stablebecausetheystandinneedofit。

AmongothersofthiskindwasDr。Blifil，agentlemanwhohadthemisfortuneoflosingtheadvantageofgreattalentsbytheobstinacyofafather，whowouldbreedhimtoaprofessionhedisliked。Inobediencetothisobstinacythedoctorhadinhisyouthbeenobligedtostudyphysic，orrathertosayhestudiedit；forinrealitybooksofthiskindwerealmosttheonlyoneswithwhichhewasunacquainted；andunfortunatelyforhim，thedoctorwasmasterofalmosteveryothersciencebutthatbywhichhewastogethisbread；theconsequenceofwhichwas，thatthedoctorattheageoffortyhadnobreadtoeat。

SuchapersonasthiswascertaintofindawelcomeatMr。

Allworthy’stable，towhommisfortuneswereeverarecommendation，whentheywerederivedfromthefollyorvillanyofothers，andnotoftheunfortunatepersonhimself。Besidesthisnegativemerit，thedoctorhadonepositiverecommendation；-thiswasagreatappearanceofreligion。Whetherhisreligionwasreal，orconsistedonlyinappearance，Ishallnotpresumetosay，asIamnotpossessedofanytouchstonewhichcandistinguishthetruefromthefalse。

IfthispartofhischaracterpleasedMr。Allworthy，itdelightedMissBridget。Sheengagedhiminmanyreligiouscontroversies；onwhichoccasionssheconstantlyexpressedgreatsatisfactioninthedoctor’sknowledge，andnotmuchlessinthecomplimentswhichhefrequentlybestowedonherown。Tosaythetruth，shehadreadmuchEnglishdivinity，andhadpuzzledmorethanoneoftheneighbouringcurates。Indeed，herconversationwassopure，herlookssosage，andherwholedeportmentsograveandsolemn，thatsheseemedtodeservethenameofsaintequallywithhernamesake，orwithanyotherfemaleintheRomankalendar。

Assympathiesofallkindsareapttobegetlove，soexperienceteachesusthatnonehaveamoredirecttendencythiswaythanthoseofareligiouskindbetweenpersonsofdifferentsexes。ThedoctorfoundhimselfsoagreeabletoMissBridget，thathenowbegantolamentanunfortunateaccidentwhichhadhappenedtohimabouttenyearsbefore；namely，hismarriagewithanotherwoman，whowasnotonlystillalive，but，whatwasworse，knowntobesobyMr。

Allworthy。Thiswasafatalbartothathappinesswhichheotherwisesawsufficientprobabilityofobtainingwiththisyounglady；forastocriminalindulgences，hecertainlyneverthoughtofthem。Thiswasowingeithertohisreligion，asismostprobable，ortothepurityofhispassion，whichwasfixedonthosethingswhichmatrimonyonly，andnotcriminalcorrespondence，couldputhiminpossessionof，orcouldgivehimanytitleto。

Hehadnotlongruminatedonthesematters，beforeitoccurredtohismemorythathehadabrotherwhowasundernosuchunhappyincapacity。Thisbrotherhemadenodoubtwouldsucceed；forhediscerned，ashethought，aninclinationtomarriageinthelady；

andthereaderperhaps，whenhehearsthebrother’squalifications，willnotblametheconfidencewhichheentertainedofhissuccess。

Thisgentlemanwasaboutthirty-fiveyearsofage。Hewasofamiddlesize，andwhatiscalledwell-built。Hehadascaronhisforehead，whichdidnotsomuchinjurehisbeautyasitdenotedhisvalour(forhewasahalf-payofficer)。Hehadgoodteeth，andsomethingaffable，whenhepleased，inhissmile；thoughnaturallyhiscountenance，aswellashisairandvoice，hadmuchofroughnessinit:yethecouldatanytimedepositthis，andappearallgentlenessandgoodhumour。Hewasnotungenteel，norentirelydevoidofwit，andinhisyouthhadaboundedinsprightliness，which，thoughhehadlatelyputonamoreseriouscharacter，hecould，whenhepleased，resume。

Hehad，aswellasthedoctor，anacademiceducation；forhisfatherhad，withthesamepaternalauthoritywehavementionedbefore，decreedhimforholyorders；butastheoldgentlemandiedbeforehewasordained，hechosethechurchmilitary，andpreferredtheking’scommissiontothebishop’s。

Hehadpurchasedthepostoflieutenantofdragoons，andafterwardscametobeacaptain；buthavingquarrelledwithhiscolonel，wasbyhisinterestobligedtosell；fromwhichtimehehadentirelyrusticatedhimself，hadbetakenhimselftostudyingtheScriptures，andwasnotalittlesuspectedofaninclinationtomethodism。

Itseemed，therefore，notunlikelythatsuchapersonshouldsucceedwithaladyofsosaint-likeadisposition，andwhoseinclinationswerenootherwiseengagedthantothemarriagestateingeneral；butwhythedoctor，whocertainlyhadnogreatfriendshipforhisbrother，shouldforhissakethinkofmakingsoillareturntothehospitalityofAllworthy，isamatternotsoeasytobeaccountedfor。

Isitthatsomenaturesdelightinevil，asothersarethoughttodelightinvirtue？Oristhereapleasureinbeingaccessorytoatheftwhenwecannotcommititourselves？Orlastly(whichexperienceseemstomakeprobable)，haveweasatisfactioninaggrandizingourfamilies，eventhoughwehavenottheleastloveorrespectforthem？

Whetheranyofthesemotivesoperatedonthedoctor，wewillnotdetermine；butsothefactwas。Hesentforhisbrother，andeasilyfoundmeanstointroducehimatAllworthy’sasapersonwhointendedonlyashortvisittohimself。

Thecaptainhadnotbeeninthehouseaweekbeforethedoctorhadreasontofelicitatehimselfonhisdiscernment。ThecaptainwasindeedasgreatamasteroftheartofloveasOvidwasformerly。Hehadbesidesreceivedproperhintsfromhisbrother，whichhefailednottoimprovetothebestadvantage。

Chapter11

Containingmanyrules，andsomeexamples，concerningfallinginlove:descriptionsofbeauty，andothermoreprudentialinducementstomatrimonyIthathbeenobserved，bywisemenorwomen，Iforgetwhich，thatallpersonsaredoomedtobeinloveonceintheirlives。Noparticularseasonis，asIremember，assignedforthis；buttheageatwhichMissBridgetwasarrived，seemstomeasproperaperiodasanytobefixedonforthispurpose:itoften，indeed，happensmuchearlier；butwhenitdothnot，Ihaveobserveditseldomorneverfailsaboutthistime。Moreover，wemayremarkthatatthisseasonloveisofamoreseriousandsteadynaturethanwhatsometimesshowsitselfintheyoungerpartsoflife。Theloveofgirlsisuncertain，capricious，andsofoolishthatwecannotalwaysdiscoverwhattheyoungladywouldbeat；nay，itmayalmostbedoubtedwhethershealwaysknowsthisherself。

Nowweareneveratalosstodiscernthisinwomenaboutforty；forassuchgrave，serious，andexperiencedladieswellknowtheirownmeaning，soitisalwaysveryeasyforamanoftheleastsagacitytodiscoveritwiththeutmostcertainty。

MissBridgetisanexampleofalltheseobservations。Shehadnotbeenmanytimesinthecaptain’scompanybeforeshewasseizedwiththispassion。Nordidshegopiningandmopingaboutthehouse，likeapuny，foolishgirl，ignorantofherdistemper:shefelt，sheknew，andsheenjoyed，thepleasingsensation，ofwhich，asshewascertainitwasnotonlyinnocentbutlaudable，shewasneitherafraidnorashamed。

Andtosaythetruth，thereis，inallpoints，greatdifferencebetweenthereasonablepassionwhichwomenatthisageconceivetowardsmen，andtheidleandchildishlikingofagirltoaboy，whichisoftenfixedontheoutsideonly，andonthingsoflittlevalueandnoduration；asoncherry-cheeks，small，lily-whitehands，sloe-blackeyes，flowinglocks，downychins，dappershapes；nay，sometimesoncharmsmoreworthlessthanthese，andlesstheparty’sown；sucharetheoutwardornamentsoftheperson，forwhichmenarebeholdentothetaylor，thelaceman，theperiwig-maker，thehatter，andthemilliner，andnottonature。Suchapassiongirlsmaywellbeashamed，astheygenerallyare，toowneithertothemselvesorothers。

TheloveofMissBridgetwasofanotherkind。Thecaptainowednothingtoanyofthesefop-makersinhisdress，norwashispersonmuchmorebeholdentonature。Bothhisdressandpersonweresuchas，hadtheyappearedinanassemblyoradrawing-room，wouldhavebeenthecontemptandridiculeofallthefineladiesthere。Theformerofthesewasindeedneat，butplain，coarse，ill-fancied，andoutoffashion。Asforthelatter，wehaveexpresslydescribeditabove。Sofarwastheskinonhischeeksfrombeingcherry-coloured，thatyoucouldnotdiscernwhatthenaturalcolourofhischeekswas，theybeingtotallyovergrownbyablackbeard，whichascendedtohiseyes。Hisshapeandlimbswereindeedexactlyproportioned，butsolargethattheydenotedthestrengthratherofaploughmanthananyother。Hisshoulderswerebroadbeyondallsize，andthecalvesofhislegslargerthanthoseofacommonchairman。Inshort，hiswholepersonwantedallthateleganceandbeautywhichistheveryreverseofclumsystrength，andwhichsoagreeablysetsoffmostofourfinegentlemen；beingpartlyowingtothehighbloodoftheirancestors，viz。，bloodmadeofrichsaucesandgenerouswines，andpartlytoanearlytowneducation。

ThoughMissBridgetwasawomanofthegreatestdelicacyoftaste，yetsuchwerethecharmsofthecaptain’sconversation，thatshetotallyoverlookedthedefectsofhisperson。Sheimagined，andperhapsverywisely，thatsheshouldenjoymoreagreeableminuteswiththecaptainthanwithamuchprettierfellow；andforewenttheconsiderationofpleasinghereyes，inordertoprocureherselfmuchmoresolidsatisfaction。

ThecaptainnosoonerperceivedthepassionofMissBridget，inwhichdiscoveryhewasveryquick-sighted，thanhefaithfullyreturnedit。Thelady，nomorethanherlover，wasremarkableforbeauty。I

wouldattempttodrawherpicture，butthatisdonealreadybyamoreablemaster，Mr。Hogarthhimself，towhomshesatmanyyearsago，andhathbeenlatelyexhibitedbythatgentlemaninhisprintofawinter’smorning，ofwhichshewasnoimproperemblem，andmaybeseenwalking(forwalkshedothintheprint)toCoventGardenchurch，withastarvedfoot-boybehindcarryingherprayer-book。

Thecaptainlikewiseverywiselypreferredthemoresolidenjoymentsheexpectedwiththislady，tothefleetingcharmsofperson。Hewasoneofthosewisemenwhoregardbeautyintheothersexasaveryworthlessandsuperficialqualification；or，tospeakmoretruly，whoratherchusetopossesseveryconvenienceoflifewithanuglywoman，thanahandsomeonewithoutanyofthoseconveniences。Andhavingaverygoodappetite，andbutlittlenicety，hefanciedheshouldplayhispartverywellatthematrimonialbanquet，withoutthesauceofbeauty。

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