Now, when Mrs. Miller was departed, Betty (for that was the name
of the girl), returning to her young lady, found her very
attentively engaged in reading a long letter, and the visible emotions
which she betrayed on that occasion might have well accounted for some
suspicions which the girl entertained; but in, deed they had yet a
stronger foundation, for she had overheard the whole scene which
passed between Sophia and Mrs. Miller.
Mrs. Western was acquainted with all this matter by Betty, who,
after receiving many commendations and some rewards for her
fidelity, was ordered, that, if the woman who brought the letter
came again, she should introduce her to Mrs. Western herself.
Unluckily, Mrs. Miller returned at the very time when Sophia was
engaged with his lordship. Betty, according to order, sent her
directly to the aunt; who, being mistress of so many circumstances
relating to what had past the day before, easily imposed upon the poor
woman to believe that Sophia had communicated the whole affair; and
so pumped everything out of her which she knew relating to the
letter and relating to Jones.
This poor creature might, indeed, be called simplicity itself. She
was one of that order of mortals who are apt to believe everything
which is said to them; to whom nature hath neither indulged the
offensive nor defensive weapons of deceit, and who are consequently
liable to be imposed upon by any one who will only be at the expense
of a little falsehood for that purpose.
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