 all over the Country, (how justly let the Reader determine) of being
one of the wildest Fellows in England, might render him odious to a Lady of the
most exemplary Modesty. Perhaps his Suspicions might be laid asleep by the
Behaviour of Sophia, and of Jones himself, when they were all in Company
together. Lastly, and indeed principally, he was well assured there was not
another Self in the Case. He fancied that he knew Jones to the Bottom, and had
in reality a great Contempt for his Understanding, for not being more attached
to his own Interest. He had no Apprehension that Jones was in Love with Sophia;
and as for any lucrative Motives, he imagined they would sway very little with
so silly a Fellow. Blifil, moreover, thought the Affair of Molly Seagrim still
went on, and indeed believed it would end in Marriage: For Jones really loved
him from his Childhood, and had kept no Secret from him, till his Behaviour on
the Sickness of Mr. Allworthy had entirely alienated his Heart; and it was by
means of the Quarrel which had ensued on this Occasion, and which was not yet
reconciled, that Mr. Blifil knew nothing of the Alteration which had happened in
the Affection which Jones had formerly borne towards Molly.
    From these Reasons, therefore, Mr. Blifil saw no Bar to his Success with
Sophia. He concluded, her Behaviour was like that of all other young Ladies on a
first Visit from a Lover, and it had indeed entirely answered his Expectations.
    Mr. Western took Care to way-lay the Lover at his Exit from his Mistress. He
found him so elevated with his Success, so enamoured with his Daughter, and so
satisfied with her Reception of him, that the old Gentleman began to caper and
dance about his Hall, and by many other antic Actions, to express the
Extravagance of his Joy: For he had not the least Command over any of his
Passions; and that which had at any Time the Ascendant in his Mind, hurried him
to the wildest Excesses.
    As soon as Blifil was departed, which was not till after many hearty Kisses
and Embraces bestowed on him by Western, the good Squire went instantly in Quest
of his Daughter, whom he no sooner found than he poured forth the most
extravagant Raptures, bidding her chuse what Clothes and Jewels she pleased; and
declaring that he had no other Use for Fortune but to make her happy. He then
caressed her again and again with the utmost Profusion of Fondness, called her
by the most endearing Names, and protested she was his only Joy on
