I know not, Madam,
that you have a right ...to make your readers suffer so much." Even the
pathetic "History of Jemmy and Jenny Jessamy" has nothing to surpass the
train of woes exhibited in this earlier tale.

In the same "soft" style are two novels, "The Unequal Conflict: or,
Nature Triumphant" (1725) and its sequel, "Fatal Fondness: or, Love its
own Opposer." The plot begins with the writer's favorite situation.

Philenia, affianced to Coeurdemont, falls in love with Fillamour. By the
help of a confidant, Antonia, the lovers are enabled to arrange a plan
of escape. On the eve of the wedding Fillamour breaks into the house
and, leaving his servants to bind and gag the father, flies immediately
to his soul's adored.

"He threw himself on his knees, as he approach'd the dear mistress of
his soul, and with a voice and manner all soft and love-inspiring.--Now
madam, said he, if the adoring Fillamour is not unworthy the glory of
your deliverance, I come to offer it, and to assure you, that not only
this, but the service of my whole future life is entirely devoted to
you. The innocent Philenia had not presently the power of replying, the
different emotions of love, and shame, fear, and joy, made such a
confusion in her sentiments, that she could only look the meanings of
them all: Fillamour, however, found enough in this mute language to make
him know, he was in as fair a way of happiness, as he cou'd wish; and
returning her glances with others as languishing, as the most melting
longing love cou'd teach the loveliest eyes in the world, they
continued, for some moments, thus transmitting souls--" until their
confidant hurries them out of the house.

After the elopement Fillamour is distracted by the opposing motives of
love and interest. To marry Philenia means ruin, for his ambitious
uncle, who has proposed an advantageous marriage to him, would never
forgive him for a love match. The innocent cause of his distress finally
discovers his perplexity and agrees to live a single life until they can
marry without loss of fortune. In this state of affairs "their love
seem'd to be a copy of that pure and immaterial passion, which angels
regard each other with, and, which we are allow'd to hope shall be our
portion, when, shaking off our earth, we meet in a happier world, where
we are to live and love forever." The lovers' paradise is invaded by
Philenia's father, who carries her home and locks her up more closely
than before