The Reform'd Coquette (1724) tells the story of Amoranda, a good but
flighty young woman whose tendency toward careless behavior is finally
tamed. Familiar Letters Betwixt a Gentleman and a Lady (1725), a
satire of both political debate and women's place in society, portrays a
Tory man and a Whig woman who find themselves discussing love, even
though they have pledged to remain platonic friends. The Accomplish'd
Rake (1727) follows the exploits of Sir John Galliard from youth to
manhood, when he is forced to accept responsibility for his actions.
Mary Davys (1674?-1732) was one of the earliest female novelists in
Britain, and after the death of her husband she supported herself by
writing and running a coffeehouse. Her writing sparkles, especially in
its witty dialogue. Although these three short epistolary novels are
framed in a clear moral universe in which virtue is rewarded and
transgressions is punished, her works are not overtly religious and
punishment is as likely to come from society as from providence.