As for Partridge, Jones hath settled L50 a-year on him; and he
hath again set up a school, in which he meets with much better
encouragement than formerly, and there is now a treaty of marriage
on foot between him and Miss Molly Seagrim, which, through the
mediation of Sophia, is likely to take effect.
We now return to take leave of Mr. Jones and Sophia, who, within two
days after their marriage, attended Mr. Western and Mr. Allworthy into
the country. Western hath resigned his family seat, and the greater
part of his estate, to his son-in-law, and hath retired to a lesser
house of his in another part of the country, which is better for
hunting. Indeed, he is often as a visitant with Mr. Jones, who, as
well as his daughter, hath an infinite delight in doing everything
in their power to please him. And this desire of theirs is attended
with such success, that the old gentleman declares he was never
happy in his life till now. He hath here a parlour and ante-chamber to
himself, where he gets drunk with whom he pleases: and his daughter is
still as ready as formerly to play to him whenever he desires it;
for Jones hath assured her that, as, next to pleasing her, one of
his highest satisfactions is to contribute to the happiness of the old
man; so, the great duty which she expresses and performs to her
father, renders her almost equally dear to him with the love which she
bestows on himself.
Sophia hath already produced him two fine children, a boy and a
girl, of whom the old gentleman is so fond, that he spends much of his
time in the nursery, where he declares the tattling of his little
grand-daughter, who is above a year and a half old, is sweeter music
than the finest cry of dogs in England.
Allworthy was likewise greatly liberal to Jones on the marriage, and
hath omitted no instance of showing his affection to him and his lady,
who love him as a father. Whatever in the nature of Jones had a
tendency to vice, has been corrected by continual conversation with
this good man, by his union with the lovely and virtuous Sophia. He
hath also, by reflection on his past follies, acquired a discretion
and prudence very uncommon in one of his lively parts.
To conclude, as there are not to be found a worthier man and
woman, than this fond couple, so neither can any be imagined more
happy. They preserve the purest and tenderest affection for each
other, an affection daily encreased and confirmed by mutual
endearments and mutual esteem. Nor is their conduct towards their
relations and friends less amiable than towards one another. And
such is their condescension, their indulgence, and their beneficence
to those below them, that there is not a neighbour, a tenant, or a
servant, who doth not most gratefully bless the day when Mr. Jones was
married to his Sophia.
-THE END-
.
=344=
THE END |