The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

o the will of her master, now prepared to visit those

ring over their heads, the amorous dove, and every innocent little bird, spread wide the alarm, and fly trembl

s, each matron dreading lest the visit should fall to her lot. She with stately steps proudly advances over the field: al

s Wilkins was now coming towards them; but as the great beauty of the simile may possibly sleep these hundred years, till

and tyrannize over little people. This being indeed the means which they use to recompense to themselves their extreme servility and condescension to their superi

disposition, it was usual with her to walk forth among these people, in order to refine her temper, by venting, and, as it were, purging off

he had generally been more favourable than to any of the rest. To this woman she imparted what had happened, and the design upon which she was come thither that morning. These two began presently to scrutinize the

sire of learning-for every leisure hour she was always found reading in the books of the scholars-had the good-nature, or folly-just as the reader pleases to call it-to instruct her so far, that she obtained a competent skill in the Latin language, and was, perhaps, as good a scholar as most of the young men of quality of the age. This advantage, however, like most others of an extraordinary kind, was attended with some small inconveniences: for as it is not to be wondered at, that a you

erybody, and to the vexation of all the young women in these parts, had publickly shone fo

feed with the honour she seemed to demand; and now, instead of respect and adoration, she gained nothing but hatred and abuse by her finery. The whole parish dec

iss Bridget, in a violent fit of illness, and had sat up many nights with that lady; besides which, she had been seen there the very day before Mr Allworthy's return, by Mrs Wilkins herself, though that sagacious person had not at first conceived any suspicion of her on

putting on the gravity of a judge, with somewhat more than his austerity, began an oration with the words,

possible Mr Allworthy might have required some stronger evidence to have convicted her; but she sa

at madam's silk gown would end in;" others spoke sarcastically of her learning. Not a single female was present but found some means of expressing her abhorrence of poor Jenny, who bore all very patiently, except the malice of one woman, who reflected upon her person, and tossing up her nose, said, "The man must have a good stomach

ed at the relation; for he had heard of the extraordinary parts and improvements of this girl, whom he intended to have given in marriage, together with a small living, to a neig

never hereafter entertain a good opinion of any woman." For Jenny

s it was hoped by some, and expected by all, to be sent to the house of correction, but to receive wholesome a