"Let a man do what he will by a single woman, the world is encouragingly apt to think Marriage a sufficient amends"

In this quote, Samuel Richardson is recommending that society typically sees marriage as a solution or settlement for any wrongs done to a single lady by a man. He suggests that the world is quick to forgive and forget any mistreatment or damage caused upon a female if the man eventually chooses to marry her. This shows the social expectation that marriage is the supreme objective for women which it can make up for any previous injustices. Richardson's words likewise highlight the unequal power characteristics between men and women, where a guy's actions can be easily excused or justified by the guarantee of marital relationship.