 not be let in. Indeed this Circumspection proved unnecessary in
the present Instance; for no such Visitor ever came; a Circumstance which gave
great Content to Amelia: for that Lady had been a little uneasy at the Raillery
of Mrs. Ellison, and had upon Reflexion magnified every little Compliment made
her, and every little Civility shewn her by the unknown Gentleman, far beyond
the Truth. These Imaginations, now all subsided again; and she imputed all that
Mrs. Ellison had said, either to Raillery or Mistake.
    A young Lady made a fourth with them at Whisk, and likewise stayed the whole
Evening. Her Name was Bennet. She was about the Age of five and twenty; but
Sickness had given her an older Look, and had a good deal diminished her Beauty;
of which, young as she was, she plainly appeared to have only the Remains in her
present Possession. She was in one particular the very Reverse of Mrs. Ellison,
being altogether as remarkably grave as the other was gay. This Gravity was not
however attended with any Sourness of Temper: On the contrary, she had much
Sweetness in her Countenance, and was perfectly well-bred. In short, Amelia
imputed her grave Deportment to her ill Health, and began to entertain a
Compassion for her, which in good Minds, that is to say, in Minds capable of
Compassion, is certain to introduce some little Degree of Love or Friendship.
    Amelia was in short so pleased with the Conversation of this Lady, that,
though a Woman of no impertinent Curiosity, she could not help taking the first
Opportunity of enquiring who she was. Mrs. Ellison said, that she was an unhappy
Lady, who had married a young Clergyman for Love, who, dying of a Consumption,
had left her a Widow in very indifferent Circumstances. This Account made Amelia
still pity her more, and consequently added to the Liking which she had already
conceived for her. Amelia therefore desired Mrs. Ellison to bring her acquainted
with Mistress Bennet, and said she would go any Day with her to make that Lady a
Visit. »There need be no Ceremony,« cried Mrs. Ellison, »she is a Woman of no
Form: and as I saw plainly she was extremely pleased with Mrs. Booth, I am
convinced I can bring her to drink Tea with you any Afternoon you please.«
    The two next Days Booth continued at home, highly to the Satisfaction of his
Amelia, who really knew no Happiness out of his Company, nor scarce any Misery
in it. She had indeed at all times so much
