of Matteo Bandello, probably from a French version.[5] The best examples
of her brief, direct tales, however, are to be found in "The Fruitless
Enquiry. Being a Collection of several Entertaining Histories and
Occurrences, which Fell under the Observation of a Lady in her Search
after Happiness" (1727). Although the scene is laid in Venice, the model
of this framework story was probably not the "Decameron" but the
Oriental tales, known in England through French translations and
imitations of the "Arabian Nights." Intercalated stories were not
uncommon in French romances, but they were almost invariably introduced
as life histories of the various characters. A fantastic framework, with
a hint of magic, fabricated expressly to give unity to a series of
tales, half exemplary, half satirical, points directly to an ultimate
connection with the narratives of Scheherezade and Sutlememé. No attempt
to catch the spirit of the East is discernible, but the vogue of
Oriental tales was evidently beginning to make an impression on French
and English writers of fiction. Care for the moral welfare of her
readers doubtless influenced Mrs. Haywood to assert in the dedication to
Lady Elizabeth Germain that the following "Sheets ...contain the History
of some real Facts," and that the author's chief design in publishing
was to "persuade my Sex from seeking Happiness the wrong Way."

At any rate the moral of the stories suited the taste of the age.[6]

Miramillia, widow of a nobleman in Venice, loses her only son, and is
informed by a soothsayer that she will hear nothing of him until she has
a shirt made for him by a woman perfectly content. She, therefore, seeks
among her acquaintance for the happy woman, but one after another
reveals to her a secret disquiet.

Anziana, married against her will to the Count Caprera, encourages her