dered her; in others, that he had broke her Arms; in others, her Legs; in ſhort, there was ſcarce an Injury which can be done to a human Creature, but what Mrs. Partridge was ſomewhere or other affirmed to have received from her Huſband.
The Cauſe of this Quarrel was likewiſe variouſly reported; for, as ſome People ſaid that Mrs. Partridge had caught her Huſband in Bed with his Maid, ſo many other Reaſons, of a very different Kind, went abroad. Nay, ſome transferred the Guilt to the Wife, and the Jealouſy to the Huſband.
Mrs. Wilkins had long ago heard of this Quarrel; but, as a different Cauſe from the true one had reached her Ears, ſhe thought proper to conceal it; and the rather, perhaps, as the Blame was univerſally laid on Mr. Partridge; and his Wife, when ſhe was Servant to Mr. Allworthy, had in ſomething offended Mrs. Wilkins, who was not of a very forgiving Temper.
But Mrs. Wilkins, whoſe Eyes could ſee Objects at a Diſtance, and who could very well look forward a few Years into Futurity, had perceived a ſtrong Likelihood of Captain
