or in sparing him a “digression of no consequence to the history” which may be “read or omitted at discretion.”  But those who love to “read in an easy-chair, either soon after dinner, or at night just going to rest,” will find in the tale “such things as the author is pretty well convinced, from a long series of observations on the human mind, will afford more pleasure than offence.”

We have every reason to believe that what the novelist terms her “distressful narrative” succeeded in its appeal to the Martha Buskbodys of the generation, for even Goethe’s Charlotte took a heartfelt interest in the fortunes of Miss Jenny.[18] It was indeed so far calculated to stir the sensibilities that a most touching turn in the lovers’ affairs is labeled “not fit to be read by those who have tender hearts or watry eyes.”  But though popular with sentimental readers, the new production was not wholly approved by the critic of the “Monthly Review."[17] He finds the character and conduct of Miss Jessamy more interesting to the reader than those of Miss Thoughtless, but he does not fail to point out that the fable is equally deficient in plot and in natural incidents.  The history, in fact, though it does not want a hero, having like “The Fortunate Foundlings” double the usual number of protagonists, has a more uncommon want, that of a story.

When the novel begins, Jemmy, son of a landed gentleman, and his cousin Jenny, daughter of a wealthy merchant, have long been affianced by their respective parents, but each is left an orphan before their union can be accomplished.  Thereupon Jemmy leaves Oxford and comes up to London, where he and Jenny indulge innocently, but with keen relish, in the pleasures of the town.

But the numerous instances of marital levity and unhappiness that come to their notice, make them decide to defer their marriage until they have gained more knowledge of the world and of their own sentiments.  In pursuance of this delicate experiment each communicates to the other his observations on the jealousy, discontent, and misery attending marriage.  Jenny notes how Mrs. Marlove’s partiality for her froward maid promotes discord in the family, and Jemmy is shocked to find the fair Liberia so fond of cards that “though at present a profest enemy to religion, she would be the greatest devotee imaginable, were she once persuaded there were gaming-tables in heaven.”

While the two lovers are thus engaged in a pleasant but indecisive daily round of amusement, Bellpine, a false friend, tries to turn Jemmy’s affection to the fair musician, Miss Chit, in order to win Jenny for himself, but failing in that, circulates rumors of Jemmy’s attachment to Miss Chit in hopes of alienating the lovers’ regard.  Emboldened by these reports of Jemmy’s change of heart, Sir Robert Manley pays his court to Jenny on her way to Bath with her friends Miss Wingman and Lady Speck, but she gently repulses him and will believe nothing