The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and of His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams

Booby devises a plan to encourage Fanny to leave Joseph in favor of Beau. Beau, however, does not have Joseph’s handsomeness, strength, or charitable heart. To set her plan in motion, Lady Booby and Beau go to Adams’s house, where Fanny and Joseph are, and where Lady Booby does all she can to encourage conversation and attraction between Fanny and Beau.

Adams’s son Dick reads a story about two friends, Lennard and Paul. The two men are reunited after several years of separation, and Paul visits Lennard, who is now married. The couple constantly argues, and Paul separately advises the husband and wife that whichever party most strongly believes themselves to be in the right should be the one to submit. The couple finally realizes that Paul has secretly been siding with each of them, and they become united in their anger toward him. The reading abruptly ends when Joseph sees Beau touching Fanny inappropriately.

Joseph immediately punches Beau for his forwardness with Fanny, and Fanny faints. Mr. Booby and Pamela take this opportunity to convince Joseph and Fanny that their marriage is not a good match. Adams responds with loyalty to Joseph, and Joseph responds by leaving with Fanny.