Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 2).pdf/22

 to the Country. By her Converation and Intructions, Sophia was perfectly well-bred, though perhaps he wanted a little of that Eae in her Behaviour, which is to be acquired only by Habit, and living within what is called the polite Circle. But this, to ay the Truth, is often too dearly purchaed; and though it hath Charms o inexpreible, that the French, perhaps among other Qualities, mean to expres this, when they declare they know not what it is, yet its Abence is well compenated by Innocence; nor can good Sene, and a natural Gentility ever tand in need of it.  Wherein the Hitory goes back to commemorate a trifling Incident that happened ome Years ince; but which, trifling as it was, had ome future Conequences.

HE amiable Sophia was now in her eighteenth Year, when he is introduced into this Hitory. Her Father, as hath been aid, was fonder of her than of any other human Creature. To her, therefore, Tom Jones applied, in order to en-