From this moderation, likewise, he learns two other
lessons, which complete his character. First,
never to be intoxicated when he hath made the best
bargain, nor dejected when the market is empty, or
when its commodities are too dear for his purchase.
But I must remember on what subject I am writing,
and not trespass too far on the patience of a good-natured
critic. Here, therefore, I put an end to the
chapter.
Containing sundry curious matters.
As soon as Mr Allworthy returned home, he took Mr
Blifil apart, and after some preface, communicated
to him the proposal which had been made by Mr Western,
and at the same time informed him how agreeable this
match would be to himself.
The charms of Sophia had not made the least impression
on Blifil; not that his heart was pre-engaged; neither
was he totally insensible of beauty, or had any aversion
to women; but his appetites were by nature so moderate,
that he was able, by philosophy, or by study, or by
some other method, easily to subdue them: and
as to that passion which we have treated of in the
first chapter of this book, he had not the least tincture
of it in his whole composition.
But though he was so entirely free from that mixed
passion, of which we there treated, and of which the
virtues and beauty of Sophia formed so notable an
object; yet was he altogether as well furnished with
some other passions, that promised themselves very
full gratification in the young lady’s fortune.
Such were avarice and ambition, which divided the
dominion of his mind between them. He had more
than once considered the possession of this fortune
as a very desirable thing, and had entertained some
distant views concerning it; but his own youth, and
that of the young lady, and indeed principally a reflection
that Mr Western might marry again, and have more children,
had restrained him from too hasty or eager a pursuit.
This last and most material objection was now in great
measure removed, as the proposal came from Mr Western
himself. Blifil, therefore, after a very short
hesitation, answered Mr Allworthy, that matrimony
was a subject on which he had not yet thought; but
that he was so sensible of his friendly and fatherly
care, that he should in all things submit himself
to his pleasure.
Allworthy was naturally a man of spirit, and his present
gravity arose from true wisdom and philosophy, not
from any original phlegm in his disposition; for he
had possessed much fire in his youth, and had married
a beautiful woman for love. He was not therefore
greatly pleased with this cold answer of his nephew;
nor could he help launching forth into the praises
of Sophia, and expressing some wonder that the heart
of a young man could be impregnable to the force of
such charms, unless it was guarded by some prior affection.
