For beſide the Difference of their Principles, they had both long ago ſtrongly ſuſpected each others Deſign, and hated one another with no little Degree of Inveteracy.
This mutual Animoſity was a good deal increaſed by their alternate Succeſſes: For Mrs. Blifil knew what they would be at long before they imagined it; or indeed intended ſhe ſhould: For they proceeded with great Caution leſt ſhe ſhould be offended, and acquaint Mr. Allworthy; but they had no Reaſon for any ſuch Fear. She was well enough pleaſed with a Paſſion of which ſhe intended none ſhould have any Fruits but herſelf. And the only Fruits ſhe deſigned for herſelf were Flattery and Courtſhip; for which Purpoſe, ſhe ſoothed them by Turns, and a long Time equally. She was indeed rather inclined to favour the Parſon’s Principles; but Square’s Perſon was more agreeable to her Eye; for he was a comely Man; whereas the Pedagogue did in Countenance very nearly reſemble that Gentleman, who in the Harlot’s Progreſs is ſeen correcting the Ladies in Bridewel.
Whether Mrs. Blifil had been ſurfeited with the Sweets of Marriage, or diſguſtedby
