 Imagination,
which might have had a dangerous Effect, had its whole Weight been fairly put
into the other Scale. This was the Length of Time which must intervene before
Sophia would be able to fulfil her Promises; for tho' she was intitled to her
Mother's Fortune, at the Death of her Father, and to the Sum of 3000 l. left her
by an Uncle when she came of Age; yet these were distant Days, and many
Accidents might prevent the intended Generosity of the young Lady, whereas the
Rewards she might expect from Mr. Western were immediate. But while she was
pursuing this Thought, the good Genius of Sophia, or that which presided over
the Integrity of Mrs. Honour, or perhaps mere Chance, sent an Accident in her
Way, which at once preserved her Fidelity, and even facilitated the intended
Business.
    Mrs. Western's Maid claimed great Superiority over Mrs. Honour, on several
Accounts. First, her Birth was higher: For her great Grand-mother by the
Mother's Side was a Cousin, not far removed, to an Irish Peer. Secondly, her
Wages were greater. And lastly, she had been at London, and had of Consequence
seen more of the World. She had always behaved, therefore, to Mrs. Honour with
that Reserve, and had always exacted of her those Marks of Distinction, which
every Order of Females preserves and requires in Conversation with those of an
inferior Order. Now as Honour did not at all Times agree with this Doctrine; but
would frequently break in upon the Respect which the other demanded, Mrs.
Western's Maid was not at all pleased with her Company: Indeed, she earnestly
longed to return home to the House of her Mistress, where she domineered at Will
over all the other Servants. She had been greatly, therefore, disappointed in
the Morning when Mrs. Western had changed her Mind on the very Point of
Departure, and had been in what is vulgarly called, a glouting Humour ever
since.
    In this Humour, which was none of the sweetest, she came into the Room where
Honour was debating with herself, in the Manner we have above related. Honour no
sooner saw her, than she addressed her in the following obliging Phrase. »Soh!
Madam, I find we are to have the Pleasure of your Company longer, which I was
afraid the Quarrel between my Master and your Lady would have robbed us of.« »I
don't know, Madam,« answered the other, »who you mean by We and Us. I assure
