over his patron, so to palliate as to leave her the object of resentment rather than him.
I mention this for fear Mrs. Malplaquet, for whom I would wish to interest the reader, should be wrongfully supposed to be one of those outrageously virtuous ladies who are eternally singing forth their own praises, lest the world, from its natural uncharitableness, should unkindly imagine they are entitled to no praise at all:—a practice at present in great and general credit. And really I do not see why it should not; for who so proper to be the herald of a man's merits as himself? since he is surely competent to speak to his own motives, from a thorough knowledge of whence they originate. And if he should turn the best side outward, it ought to be considered as a meritorious expedient to put himself upon a footing with his neighbour, and so pay him in his own coin; appearance being as requisite to establish one sort of reputation as paper to establish another; neither of which could sustain any solid credit without such assistance: for honour is a commerce as well as business, and such ideal resources often prevent bankruptcies in both.


THE worthy curate, in his way home, exulting at this new instance of his influence over the major, uttered, or rather I believe reflected, the following soliloquy.

'Zounds what an escape!—but it is nothing to a genius like mine. Poor dolt, how gloriously I ride him! As to madam, I fancy she'll tell no more tales. This is reducing things to a system: but I always said it. To palliate an accusation, if you take a man by that foible his generosity, you are sure to be safe. Men are always liberal when there is nothing required but words.

'But to expedients. This woman is a fool: I had a scheme to her advantage. Her husband cannot live long, especially as I drench him, and would she join me, we might make a comfortable thing on't when once I should have preached his funeral sermon. Well, if she will kick down her

basket of glass ware, that is her business. I will try her however once more. I am secure from any impertinent tattling. The major will hear no more complaints. If she comes to, I shall be charmed; for, to say the truth, she is a lovely woman: if not, shall I stake my interest against her folly? No, not were she a Venus.

'To-morrow I will begin the attack, and if she