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object than it is generally thought; for, notwithstanding some of usare contented with more homely lots, and learn by rote (as children torepeat what gives them no idea) to despise outside, and to value moresolid charms; yet I have always observed, at the approach ofconsummate beauty, that these more solid charms only shine with thatkind of lustre which the stars have after the rising of the sun.When Jones had finished his exclamations, many of which would havebecome the mouth of Oroondates himself, Mrs Fitzpatrick heaved adeep sigh, and, taking her eyes off from Jones, on whom they had beensome time fixed, and dropping them on the ground, she cried, "Indeed,Mr Jones, I pity you; but it is the curse of such tenderness to bethrown away on those who are insensible of it. I know my cousin betterthan you, Mr Jones, and I must say, any woman who makes no return tosuch a passion, and such a person, is unworthy of both.""Sure, madam," said Jones, "you can't mean----" "Mean!" cries MrsFitzpatrick, "I know not what I mean; there is something, I think, intrue tenderness bewitching; few women ever meet with it in men, andfewer still know how to value it when they do. I never heard suchtruly noble sentiments, and I can't tell how it is, but you force oneto believe you. Sure she must be the most contemptible of women whocan overlook such merit."The manner and look with which all this was spoke infused a suspicioninto Jones which we don't care to convey in direct words to thereader. Instead of making any answer, he said, "I am afraid, madam, Ihave made too tiresome a visit;" and offered to take his leave."Not at all, sir," answered Mrs Fitzpatrick.--"Indeed I pity you, MrJones; indeed I do: but if you are going, consider of the scheme Ihave mentioned--I am convinced you will approve it--and let me see youagain as soon as you can.--To-morrow morning if you will, or at leastsome time to-morrow. I shall be at home all day."Jones, then, after many expressions of thanks, very respectfullyretired; nor could Mrs Fitzpatrick forbear making him a present of alook at parting, by which if he had understood nothing, he must havehad no understanding in the language of the eyes. In reality, itconfirmed his resolution of returning to her no more; for, faulty ashe hath hitherto appeared in this history, his whole thoughts were nowso confined to his Sophia, that I believe no woman upon earth couldhave now drawn him into an act of inconstancy.Fortune, however, who was not his friend, resolved, as he intended togive her no second opportunity, to make the best of this; andaccordingly produced the tragical incident which we are now insorrowful notes to record.Chapter x.The consequence of the preceding visit.Mr Fitzpatrick having received the letter before mentioned from MrsWestern, and being by that means acquainted with the place to whichhis wife was retired, returned directly to Bath, and thence the day