e that what the novelist terms her
"distressful narrative" succeeded in its appeal to the Martha Buskbodys
of the generation, for even Goethe's Charlotte took a heartfelt interest
in the fortunes of Miss Jenny.[18] It was indeed so far calculated to
stir the sensibilities that a most touching turn in the lovers' affairs
is labeled "not fit to be read by those who have tender hearts or watry
eyes." But though popular with sentimental readers, the new production
was not wholly approved by the critic of the "Monthly Review."[17] He
finds the character and conduct of Miss Jessamy more interesting to the
reader than those of Miss Thoughtless, but he does not fail to point out
that the fable is equally deficient in plot and in natural incidents.
The history, in fact, though it does not want a hero, having like "The
Fortunate Foundlings" double the usual number of protagonists, has a
more uncommon want, that of a story.

When the novel begins, Jemmy, son of a landed gentleman, and his cousin
Jenny, daughter of a wealthy merchant, have long been affianced by their
respective parents, but each is left an orphan before their union can be
accomplished. Thereupon Jemmy leaves Oxford and comes up to London,
where he and Jenny indulge innocently, but with keen relish, in the
pleasures of the town.

But the numerous instances of marital levity and unhappiness that come
to their notice, make them decide to defer their marriage until they
have gained more knowledge of the world and of their own sentiments. In
pursuance of this delicate experiment each communicates to the other his
observations on the jealousy, discontent, and misery attending marriage.
Jenny notes how Mrs. Marlove's partiality for her froward maid promotes
discord in the family, and Jemmy is shocked to find the fair Liberia so
fond of cards that "though at present a profest enemy to religion, she
would be the greatest devotee imaginable, were she once persuaded there
were gaming-tables in heaven."

While the two lovers are thus engaged in a pleasant but indecisive daily
round of amusement, Bellpine, a false friend, tries to turn Jemmy's
affection to the fair musician, Miss Chit, in order to win Jenny for
himself, but failing in that, circulates rumors of Jemmy's attachment to
Miss Chit in hopes of alienating the lovers' regard. Emboldened by these
reports of Jemmy's change of heart, Sir Robert Manley pays his court to
Jenny on her way to Bath with her friends Miss Win