Mr.Franklin had only given her a plain locket not worth half the money.

My daughter Penelope, nevertheless--such is the obstinacy of women--still backed him to win.
Thanks be to Heaven, we have arrived at the eve of the birthday at last! You will own, I think, that I have got you over the ground this time, without much loitering by the way.

Cheer up! I'll ease you with another new chapter here--and, what is more, that chapter shall take you straight into the thick of the story..