The Reward of Virtue; Or, the History of Miss Polly Graham — Anonymous

Anonymous British novel from 1769. "This young lady was born in the year 1732, in London; her father, captain Graham, was commander of a 74 gun ship: he was a gentleman who bore an amiable character for honour and integrity; and had, besides, the reputation of a man of great courage, having given the most distinguishing proofs of his valour in many engagements. Miss Pollys mother was the daughter of a West-India merchant, named Mr. Summers, a person, who, tho immensely rich, was nevertheless more respected for his good qualities, than on account of his wealth. Miss Polly had scarcely attained her tenth year, when she was sent by her parents to a boarding school at Putney, kept by one Mrs. Mann; a lady, who, in respect of her great abilities, was honoured with the protection of many persons of rank and fortune, who sent their children to her for education. Here Miss Polly remained untill she arrived at the age of sixteen, when an unfortunate event caused her to be called home, in order to give her mother, labouring under the severest of all afflictions, viz. the death of her husband, all the consolation in her power. "