Tom Jones | Learn English Through Story | Graded Reader | Improve Your English

chapter 1 a baby is found in the west of England in a part of the country called Somerset there lived a gentleman whose name was allworthy he might be called the favorite of both nature and Fortune because nature had given him the gifts of good health good sense and a kind heart and Fortune had made him one of the richest landowners in that part of England in his youth this gentleman had married a good beautiful woman they had three children all of whom died young and about 5 years before this Story begins his wife also died he loved her still and sometimes said that he was waiting to join her after death he now lived in the country most of the time with his sister Miss Bridget allworthy this lady was now past the age of 30 she was very good woman who often thanked God she was not beautiful because she believed that beauty LED women into Wicked Ways now reader as Mr aworthy had a large Fortune a good heart and no family you may think that he lived an honest life gave to the poor built a hospital and died a rich man it is true that he did many of these things but they are not the reason for this story something much more extraordinary happened one evening Mr aworthy came back to his house very late and very tired he had been away in London on business for several months after a light supper with his sister he went to bed first he spent some time on his knees praying to God and then he pulled back the bed clothes to his great surprise he saw a baby lying in his bed in a sweet deep sleep he stood for some time looking at its innocent Beauty and then rang his Bell to call his elderly housekeeper Mrs Deborah Wilkins when Mrs Wilkins saw the child she cried out my good sir what shall we do Mr allworthy answered that she must take care of the child that evening and in the morning he would give orders to find a nurse for it yes sir said Mrs Wilkins and I hope you will give orders to send its Wicked mother to prison for doing this in leaving the baby Here Deborah said Mr aworthy I suppose the poor woman has tried to provide a good home for her child and I am very glad she has not done worse but sir cried Mrs Wilkins why should you take care of the child why not put it in a basket and leave it at the church door if you keep it people may think that you are the father but Mr aworthy did not hear her he now had one of his fingers in The Sweet child's hand and was smiling at it gently so Mrs Wilkins took the child to her room and Mr allworthy went to bed and slept well until morning Mr orw Worthy's house stood on a hill and had a Charming view of the valley beneath to the right of the valley were several Villages and to the left a great Park beyond the park dark the country gradually Rose into a range of wild mountains the tops of which were above the clouds the house was very Noble it was surrounded by a fine garden with old oak trees and a stream that flowed down to a lake at the bottom of the hill from every room at the front of the house you could see the lake and a river that passed for several miles through woods and Fields till it empted itself into the sea it was now the middle of May and as Mr aworthy stood watching the sun rise over this lovely view Miss Bridget allworthy rang her Bell and called him to breakfast when she had poured the tea Mr aworthy told his sister he had a present for her she thanked him this was not unusual as he often gave her new clothes and jewelry to wear imagine her surprise when Mrs Wilkins produced the baby miss Bridget was silent until her brother had told her the whole story he ended by saying that he had decided to take care of the child and bring it up as his own Miss Bridget looked kindly at the child and told her brother she admired his generosity he was a good man however she was less kind about the poor unknown mother whom she called every bad name she could think of The Next Step was to discover who the mother was Mr allworthy leaving this task to his housekeeper and the child to his sister left the room Mrs Wilkins waited for a sign from Miss Bridget did she really agree with her brother Miss Bridget looked for some time at the child as it lay asleep in Mrs wilkins's lap then gave it a big kiss exclaiming about its beauty and innocence when Mrs Wilkins saw this she too started squeezing and kissing the baby and cried out oh the dear little child the dear sweet pretty child he is as fine a boy as I have ever seen then miss Bridget gave orders for the servants to get a very good room in the house ready for the child and to provide him with everything he needed she was as generous as if he had been a child of her own later that day Mrs Wilkins went to the Village nearby to ask questions about the abandoned child she soon soon decided that the most likely mother was Jenny Jones Jenny Jones was a poor young girl from the village who had lived as a servant with a school master and his wife for several years she had a quick mind and a desire to learn so the school Master had helped to educate her Jenny became proud of her learning and when she returned to the Village she behaved in a superior way which her neighbors hated they also noticed that Jenny had often been to Mr orw Worthy's house she had nursed Miss Bridget in a recent illness and had sat up many nights looking after her indeed Mrs Wilkins herself had seen Jenny at the house the very day before Mr orw Worthy's return she hurried back to the house to tell Mr aworthy her suspicions Mr aworthy called Jenny to the house she confessed freely to being the baby mother but she refused to name the father I thank you sir for your kindness to my poor helpless child she said he is innocent and I hope he will live to be grateful for your generosity but sir on my knees I must ask you not to insist on finding out the name of his father I have sworn before God not to tell anyone his name now but I promise that one day you will know Mr aworthy fully believed all that Jenny told him and sent her away with the promise that he would not send her to prison but would help her to lead a better life she was lucky said one neighbor when Jenny returned to the Village a second cried see what it is to be a favorite a third ah it's because she has education soon through the care and goodness of Mr aworthy Jenny left the village and there was more gossip the villagers decided that Mr allworthy was the baby's father and began to feel sorry for Jenny Jones some even said he had been cruel to send her away but the good Mr aworthy did not listen baby Jones stayed in his house and was given Mr orw Worthy's first name which was Thomas and now we must leave Jenny Jones and little Tom Jones for a while as we have much more important things to tell chapter 2 The Shame of Mr Partridge Mr orw Worthy's house and his heart were open to all men but particularly to Men of learning though he had not had the advantage of a good education he had made up for this through wide reading and conversation well-educated men were always welcome at his table one guest of this kind was Captain blifil this gentleman was about 35 years of age after a good education he had joined the king's Army but recently he had left the Army and had come to Somerset to live a quiet Country Life he liked to study the Bible Miss Bridget had read many books about religion and she often talked to the captain on this subject her conversation was so pure her looks so wise and her manner so serious that she seemed like a saint yet soon the captain could see that she was falling in love with him everyone will fall in love once in their lives and there is no particular age for this but at Miss Bridget's age love is serious and steady it was not the captain's body which was big and rough nor his face which was covered up to his eyes by a black beard but his conversation which Charmed her as soon as the captain saw this he returned her affections to be plain he was already in love with Mr allw Worthy's house Gardens Villages and Farms his sister was no Beauty but as Mr allworthy had no son the captain would marry Miss Bridget even if she was the ugliest woman in the world and in less than a month he did just that Mr allworthy did not object to the marriage my sister is many years younger than me he thought but she's old enough to make her own decisions he he is a gentleman and though he is not perhaps her equal in Fortune he is a man of sense and honor and I have nothing against him I do not doubt that they love each other and love is the best basis for marriage reader this is not a newspaper consisting of just the same number of words whether there be any news in it or not in these Pages you will find only the important events so do not be surprised if sometimes time seems to stand still and sometimes to fly we fly now to the time when a fine son was born to Captain and Mrs blifil though the birth of a son to his dear sister gave great joy to Mr allworthy it did not take away his love for the abandoned child to whom he was now Godfather he continued to visit the Tom at least once a day in his room Mr allworthy suggested to his sister that the two boys be raised together in his house Mrs BFFL agreed but Captain bfl was not so easily pleased he liked to use Bible texts to tell Mr aworthy that bastard children should be punished Mr allworthy disagreed he said that however guilty the parents might be their children were certainly innocent and God would not punish the innocent while Captain blle was becoming more and more jealous of Mr orw Worthy's love for little Tom Mrs Wilkins made a discovery she believed she now knew the name of Tom's father my reader may remember that Jenny Jones had lived for some years with a certain School Master his name was Partridge and he was a pleasant humorous fellow but his wife was not perhaps this was because after 9 years of marriage she was still childless Mrs Partridge a jealous woman had chosen Jenny Jones to be her servant because she was plain and Jenny lived quietly in their house for more than four years doing her work and learning Latin from Mr Partridge then one day Mrs Partridge saw Jenny sitting closely with her husband studying their books and suddenly her jealous thoughts began they were fed by small suspicions one after another and soon she lost her temper and ordered Jenny to leave the house Mr Partridge who was afraid of his wife said nothing and soon the house was calm again Mrs Partridge loved her husband and she might have forgotten all about it but some months later she heard news of Jenny from the village gossips she's had two bastard babies they said their father must be from here because it's less than 9 months since she left the village Mrs Partridge was shocked and all her jealousy returned she was convinced of her husband's guilt and went straight home the fight which followed was Furious Mrs Partridge attacked her husband with tongue teeth and hands though partridge did nothing there was soon blood on both of them the neighbors came to watch and soon everyone was saying that Mr Partridge had beaten his wife most cruy the cause of this quarrel was reported in various ways some said one thing others said another and it was a long time before Mrs Wilkins heard the true reason when she did she told Captain bfl the captain told Mr allworthy and Mr allworthy sent Mrs Wilkins to find Mr Partridge though he lived 15 miles away Mrs Wilkins went quickly and brought back the school master and his wife Mr allworthy began the trial immediately and it took three days on the first day Partridge declared his innocence but his wife gave all the reasons why she thought him guilty Partridge was silent until at last he asked Mr aworthy to send for Jenny Jones Mr aworthy sent a messenger to get Jenny who now lived a whole Day's Journey from his house on the third day everyone came to hear Mr orw Worthy's judgment unfortunately the messenger had returned without Jenny she had left her new home just a few days earlier in the company of a soldier Mr orw Worthy's good opinion of Jenny was now lost forever he listened again to Mrs Partridge who now swore she had discovered her husband and Jenny in bed together and then he found poor Mr Partridge guilty Mr Partridge lost his little school and soon he lost his wife too for she died suddenly though the villagers now began to feel sorry for him he decided to go away although Mr allworthy had punished the father he grew fonder of little Tommy this did not please Captain BFFL who saw every example of Mr aworthy generosity to others as his own loss the captain's greatest pleasure was planning what to do with Mr orw Worth's wealth he fully expected Mr aworthy to die soon leaving his wealth to his sister's son the captain wanted to make great changes to the house and park and he spent many hours reading about architecture and gardening but Fortune was unkind to him the Unlucky Captain died first of a sudden and unexpected accident chapter 3 young Tom causes some anxiety the reader will not be surprised if we pass quickly over 12 years when nothing interesting happened we shall now meet our hero Tom at about 14 years of age to be honest it was the opinion of all Mr orw Worthy's family that young Tom was Born to Be hanged indeed I am sorry to say there was too much reason for this from his earliest Years Tom showed signs of crime to give three examples he had stolen some apples from a tree a duck from a farm and a ball from the pocket of His companion young Master BFFL in contrast the young son of Captain and Mrs BFFL was praised by all the neighborhood he was quiet and good and many people wondered why Mr aworthy allowed his nephew to be educated with such a bad influence as Tom yet Tom bad as he is must be our hero so here is a story to help you to get to know him better about this time Tom had only one friend among the servants and this was Mr orw Worthy's gamekeeper George seagm some said that Tom learned his bad ways from this man whose idea of the meaning of yours and mine was rather loose indeed the whole duck and most of the stolen apples were eaten by black George and his family one day young Tom went shooting with the gamekeeper near the edge of Mr orw Worthy's land they surprised some birds which flew into the neighbors land Tom ran after them the gamekeeper followed him and they both fired the guns the neighbor who was riding nearby heard the gunfire and came to look he caught Tom with a dead bird but he didn't find the gamekeeper who was hiding in the trees when he returned home Tom admitted his crime to Mr aworthy but he insisted that he had been shooting alone the gamekeeper was sent for but he too denied being with Tom that afternoon Mr allworthy sent Tom to bed and and next morning he called him back and asked the same questions Tom gave the same answers even when he was whipped at last Mr aworthy believed Tom was telling the truth he apologized and gave Tom a little horse as a present oh sir Tom said you were too good to me he very nearly told Mr aworthy the truth but then he remembered the gamekeeper and was silent he felt very guilty the thing which put an end to Tom's silence was a fight between himself and master BFFL usually Tom avoided fights with his younger companion because he really loved him but one day as they played together blifil called Tom a poor bastard Tom immediately jumped on blifil and the result was a bloody nose blifil ran to his uncle un to complain Tom told Mr aworthy what BFFL had called him but young BFFL said he is lying Uncle the same way as he lied when he said nobody was with him when he shot the bird black George the gamekeeper was there Tom confessed it to me is this true child asked Mr aworthy why did you lie to me about it Tom explained that it was a question of Honor he had promised the gamekeeper to keep quiet it was my idea to follow the bird sir he said please sir let me be punished take my little horse away but please sir forgive poor George Mr aworthy was quiet for some time then he told the boys to go away and to be more friendly with each other towards the gamekeeper he was more severe he called him to the house paid him his wages and dismissed him the education of Tom and master blifil was in the hands of two men Mr tham and Mr Square who lived in the house as part of the family Mr tham knew a lot about religion and morality while Mr Square had studied philosophy and believed in reason more than in religion Mrs BFFL now many years widowed liked them both she enjoyed the conversation of Mr tham and admired the good looks of Mr Square both men had their eye on the possibility of marrying her and so they hated each other but there was one point on which they agreed in order to please the Widow they both took every opportunity to show her that they preferred her son Poor Tom therefore suffered many more beatings than young Master bfl the good Mr aworthy called Tom his own boy and in all things made him equal with Master bfl Mrs bfl agreed with this though everyone believed she secretly hated Tom when he was young this may have been so however as he grew up and began to learn how to be Charming to ladies she grew fonder of him by the time time he was 18 years old the whole country was talking of Mrs bfl's liking for Tom which made his two teachers hate him even more Tom worried greatly about black George segm and his unfortunate family and tried to help them first he sold his little horse to give them money for food then he sold a fine Bible which Mr allworthy had given him he was punished for this with more beatings at the same time Tom began to grow friendly with the neighbor whose dead bird had caused so much trouble and so he met his neighbor's daughter but as this young lady is to be the heroine of our story and probably we will all fall in love with her it is not right to introduce her at the end of a chapter chapter 4 Tom falls in love bring on flowers soft winds and sweet bird song to welcome the lovely sopia Weston to imagine her appearance you must think of famous Beauties in art and history and of the woman who is dearest to your own heart Sophia was the only daughter of Mr Weston she was now 17 her hair was rich and black her shape delicate her eyes bright her nose regular her teeth white her lips red and her neck long and lovely such was the outside of Sophia and inside she was equally fine her mind was as Charming as her appearance and her sweet temper lit up her face when she smiled Sophia had been educated under the care of an aunt who was a lady of the world in her Manner and conversation Sophia was a perfect lady perhaps she needed a little of the style that comes from Life in the highest circles but style can never replace true innocence and good sense her father was F of Sofia than of any other human being but he allowed his sister to take her away for 3 years for the sake of her education now she had returned to rule her father's house and to sit at the top of his table where Tom often dined Mr Weston had a great love of hunting and Tom became a favorite companion in this sport Mr Weston often wished he had a son like Tom and let him freely use everything that was most precious to him his guns his dogs and his horses Tom wanted to ask Mr Weston if he would employ black George he decided to ask sopia to help him now if Sofia had some influence on her Father Who Loved Her above all things after those things already mentioned which he needed for his sport then Tom had some influence on Sofia Tom was now approaching the age of 20 he was openhearted good natured and had a natural way with ladies the women of the neighborhood thought he was a handsome fellow and so did Sophia Tom was also a great favorite of Mr Weston who was so busy with his dogs and his horses that he gave Tom every opportunity to be with his daughter that a lover could wish for in Tom's company the innocent Sophia was at her brightest Tom did not notice this and it is not surprising since sopia did not notice it herself indeed her heart was lost before she suspected it was in danger one afternoon finding sopia alone Tom said he had something to ask her nature whispered something in Sofia's ear and the color left her cheeks Tom did not notice and he told her about the gamekeeper whose unfortunate family was now nearly starving would sopia ask her father to employ black George I will do it with all my heart said Sophia with a smile full of sweetness I really pity the poor fellow and just yesterday I sent his wife some money and a dress and now Mr Jones I have something to ask you anything Madam said Tom taking Sophia's hand and kissing it this was the first time his lips had ever touched her and the blood which before had left her cheeks now rushed back to color all her face and neck when she could speak which was not instantly Sophia asked Tom not to lead her father through so many dangers when h she was frightened every time they went out together knowing that Mr Weston would follow Tom anywhere Tom promised not to ride so madly and left happy with his success that evening after dinner sopia played music for her father she played all his favorite Tunes three times over and this so pleased the good man that he got up from his chair to give her a kiss Sophia took this opportunity to keep her a promise to Tom she did it so well that next morning the gamekeeper was called and given a job Tom's success in this affair was soon widely known some said it was an act of good nature blifil who hated black George said it was an insult to Mr allworthy tham and square agreed because they were now very jealous of Tom and the Widow but Mr allworthy approved he said he wished he could see more examples of such good and loyal friendship Fortune had other ideas however and soon Mr aworthy saw Tom's actions in a different light now though Tom greatly liked sopia appreciating her beauty and admiring all her other qualities she had made no deep impression on his heart the truth is it belonged to another woman this was not Miss Mrs Bill though she was clearly fond of Tom no it was a younger woman the reader will remember that we have often mentioned the family of the gamekeeper George segm or black George as he was usually called this family consisted of a wife and five children the second child was a daughter whose name was Molly she was considered one of the best looking girls in the whole country when she was Tom who was 3 years older began to notice Molly's beauty though he was strongly attracted to her he believed it was wrong to make love to a girl even a poor girl and so he stayed away from her house for three whole months but when Molly saw that Tom was backward she became more forward and found a way to meet him and tempt him to do what they both wanted Tom desired Molly and Molly gave herself to Tom Tom was grateful to Molly and wanted to be kind to her this was the situation poor as she was Tom could not think of abandoning Molly and so he did not think of loving sopia it was Molly's mother who first noticed the change in her shape to hide the signs of the baby Molly was expecting she gave her the dress which sofhia had sent her Molly who usually wore Rags was very pleased with the fine dress and wore it to church who is she was the question that ran around the church when the fine lady arrived but when the answer came it's Molly seagm the jealous women laughed at her sopia happened to be present at this time she was very pleased with the beauty of the girl and sorry that people laughed at her when she returned home she called for the gamekeeper and offered to give Molly a job poor seagrim was silent because he knew about Molly's condition back at the church an angry scene had developed as people left they laughed and pointed at Molly's fine dress and some began to throw dirt and rubbish Molly turned to face the crowd and soon a fight broke out among the gravestones men and women but mostly women bit and scratched and hit and tore at Molly's hair clothes were torn too until many were nearly naked Molly fought back furiously with all her strength at this point Tom came riding past with square and master bfl seeing his Molly under attack Tom jumped off his horse and went among the crowd with a horse whip turning them away he then pulled off his coat and buttoned it around Molly wiped the blood from her face with his handkerchief and took her home on his horse he gave her a kiss said he would return in the evening and rode away chapter 5 a sleepless night for sopia the next morning Tom went hunting with Mr Weston and afterwards was invited to dinner the lovely Sophia was brighter than usual that day and if she wanted Tom to notice her she certainly succeeded another dinner guest was Mr Supple the priest from The Village Church he was a good natured man who was always silent at table though his mouth was never shut in other words he had one of the best appetites in the world after dinner though he loved to talk and he had some news I believe lady you saw a young woman at church yesterday wearing one of your own dresses after you left this dress caused a terrible battle this morning the young woman in question was called to explain the matter to Mr allworthy when she appeared everyone could see that she will soon give birth to a bastard as she refused to name the father she will be sent to prison is that your news cried Weston nothing more important come Tommy drink up and pass the bottle Tom made a polite excuse and quickly left the table ah said Weston after he had gone I see I see Tom is certainly the father of this bastard I should be very sorry if that is true said sapple why sorry cried Weston haven't you been the father of any bastards yourself you must have been lucky then I am sure you joke Mr Weston replied the priest and I hope you are wrong about the young gentleman he is a little wild perhaps but a good young man I would not like to see him lose the good opinion of Mr allworthy no no said Weston he will lose nobody's good opinion and the women will like him better ask my daughter here you have no worse opinion of a young man for giving a girl a bastard have you Sophie it was a crel question to ask poor Sofia she had seen Tom's color change when he heard the news and she thought her father's suspicions were correct her heart at once told her the great secret it had been hiding shocked and confused she excused herself and went to her room Tom hurried home and found Molly was still there he asked for a private conversation with Mr allworthy and said he was the guilty father he begged Mr aworthy to let Molly return to her family after hesitating for some time Mr aworthy agreed he then spoke for a long time about right and wrong Tom listened gratefully and promised to improve Mr allworthy was certainly angry with Tom but he was also pleased with his honor and honesty so tham could not persuade him to punish the young man Square was more clever he reminded Mr aworthy of all the things Tom had done for the gamekeeper and his family now we can see sir that these things were not done out of friendship but to get Molly for his Wicked Ways For the First Time The Good Mr aworthy began to have a bad impression of Tom that night sofhia slept very little she was already dressed when her maid Mrs honor came to wake her oh Madam said Mrs honor what do you think and with these words she began to tell sopia all the gossip from the village about Tom and Molly what passed through poor Sophia's mind the reader will remember that only yesterday the news of Molly had opened sopia's eyes to her heart's love now she decided she felt nothing for Tom but love is a disease and the very next time she saw him all her former feelings returned from that time her heart kept changing from hot to cold to hot again until Sophia was desperate for a cure she decided to avoid Tom and made plans to visit her aunt but Fortune stopped the plan with an accident every day Mr Weston grew fonder of his daughter almost more than his precious dogs since he could not bring himself to abandon the dogs he managed cleverly to enjoy both dogs and daughter by taking Sofia hunting with him sopia disliked the sport which was too rough for her but she always obeyed her father she decided not to visit her aunt until the end of the hunting season the second time she went hunting her horse started to behave bad sadly Tom was nearby and saw that she was in danger he quickly rode up jumped off his horse and was in time to catch sopia as her horse threw her and ran off are you hurt Madam he asked her when she said she was unheard he said then Heaven be praised if I have broken my arm it is nothing after the danger you were in broken your arm screamed Sophia I am afraid I have Madam said Tom but I still have a good arm to help you home Mr Weston then came back with the other Riders and Sofia's horse finding his daughter unheard he was delighted and everyone returned to the house where a doctor was called to look at Tom's arm this Brave Act of Tom's made a deep impression on Sophia's heart and she no longer wanted to visit her aunt chapter 6 six Tom learns a little about women after his accident Tom stayed at Mr Weston's house he had many visitors Mr allworthy came every day and took the opportunity to give Tom good advice tham also came and said that heaven was punishing Tom for his bad ways Square said the opposite that even a wise man can break an arm BFFL sometimes came too but Mr Weston was never out of the sick room except when he was busy with his horses or his bottle he told Tom loudly that beer was the best medicine but the doctor disagreed when Tom could sit up Mr Weston brought sopia to see him soon they were free to spend hours together talking and playing music Sophia's lips said nothing about her feelings but her eyes said everything one day Mr Weston said to Tom I love you dearly my boy and will do anything in my power for you tomorrow morning take your choice of all of my horses why not take the young horse that Sophie rode she cost me £50 if she cost ,000 cried Tom I would give that horse to the dogs what answered Weston because she broke your arm she's just an animal be a man Tom forgive and forget Sophia's face changed as she listened she believed she knew why Tom hated the horse Tom noticed her color and at last he began to suspect the reason his heart told him clearly that he loved safia and that she loved him sweet and delicious feelings now filled Tom's heart but they were mixed with bitter thoughts he knew that Sophia's father had a violent affection for his daughter and wanted the best marriage for her he also knew that fortune not friendship would guide Mr Weston to a husband for Sofia then there was Molly Tom and Molly had sworn to love each other and Molly said she would die if Tom deserted her Tom imagined her dead and was sure shocked he could not desert her then he remembered her youth Health and Beauty and desired her again with these thoughts Tom passed a sleepless night in the morning he had decided to stay with Molly and to think no more of sopia and but in the afternoon when he saw Sophia again the god of love marched in and won the battle Tom now wondered if Molly would be satisfied with a sum of money she was poor and proud of her beauty and though she loved Tom she might be happy to be richer than her equals one day with his arm in a bandage Tom visited Molly her mother and sisters said she was upstairs asleep Tom climbed the ladder to his fair one's room and found the door locked he knocked after some time she opened it they kissed then Tom sat Molly on the bed and began to speak he told her that Mr allworthy had forbidden him to see her again silence he said that they must separate more silence then he said that he would do everything he could to help her perhaps even find her a husband Molly was silent a little longer then she began to cry and Shout is this your love for me she cried you are false Tom Jones like any man she stood up angrily and waved her arms about Suddenly by accident her arm pulled down a curtain beside the bed behind the curtain were a few small things belonging to Molly and a man it was Mr Square he was quite naked reader I am sure you are are as surprised as Mr Jones but why even teachers are made of Flesh and Blood Mr Square had admired Molly when he saw her fighting outside the church and when Tom was sick he went to visit her it is true that Molly preferred Tom but Mr Square brought her presence that softened her heart and what did Tom do he laughed I promise I will never speak of this he told Square be kind to the girl and I will never open my lips to anyone and Molly be true to your friend and I will forgive you for being false to me then Tom climbed quickly down the ladder and left the house one of Molly's sisters followed him sir she said now that you know about Mr Square I have something else to tell you you were not the first man to make love to Molly it was Will Barnes will is the father of Molly's bastard the secret about Molly made Tom's heart feel light but it was full of violent storms when he thought about sopia He Loved Her Madly and plainly saw her tender feelings for him but her father would never accept him for her husband Tom struggled with his love he did not want to offend his good friend Mr Weston or his Godfather Mr allworthy the battle made him sick and sad when Sophia came near he became pale and when her eyes met his the blood rushed into his cheeks Mr Weston noticed nothing but sopia saw and understood because she felt the same one day the young couple met by accident in the garden they were both surprised and felt confused they spoke first about the beauty of the morning then they spoke about the beauty of the garden Sophia's smile was so sweet and her voice So Soft that Tom said wildly oh Miss Weston can you wish me to die indeed Mr Jones she answered looking down at the ground I do not wish you any harm but what do you mean what am I saying cried Tom I have said too much I would never offend you you do not offend me she said but you surprise me my heart overflows said Tom I struggle with my love and try to hide it but it makes me ill soon I will die and never trouble you again Tom now started trembling and Sophia felt faint Mr Jones she said weakly I do understand you but For Heaven's Sake help me back into the house Tom took her arm and together they walked unsteadily back to the house without another word Sophia went straight to her room for Tom there was unwelcome news chapter 7 Mr allworthy Falls ill Mr allworthy was sick this was the news that Tom received how sick the doctor said he was in very serious danger Mr allworthy did not fear death he now prepared himself calmly and called his family to him everyone was there except his sister Mrs bfl who was in London and Tom who rushed back from Mr Weston's house immediately when the family and the servants were gathered around his bed the good man spoke but blifil began to cry taking bfl's hand Mr aworthy said do not cry my dear child no one can escape death and it does not matter when death comes life is like a party which some leave early and some leave later there is little difference now I wish to mention my will nephu blil I leave you all my lands and property to your mother I leave £500 a year and the same amount to you Mr Jones Tom knelt beside the bed took his Godfather's hand and thanked him for his goodness both now and at all other times oh my friend my father he said then hot tears came into his eyes and he turned away Mr tham I have given you ,000 and the same sum to you Mr Square I am sure this is more than you desire but it is a sign of my friendship my servants will share £3,000 now I find myself growing faint so let me rest just then a servant came into the room and said there was a lawyer from London waiting downstairs with a a message Mr allworthy sent BFFL to see him and quietly fell asleep Tom stayed in the room to watch over him Mr tham and Mr Square left the room looking unhappy perhaps they had expected more money blil returned with a very sad face and told them that his mother had died you must bear this sad loss like a Christian advised thram like a man said Square the doctor joined them and they discussed whether to inform Mr aworthy about the death of his sister the doctor said no but blifil disagreed so together they went to the sium to wake Mr aworthy first the doctor checked the patient and found him much better perhaps the danger was passing Mr aworthy opened his eyes and heard the sad news from Bill he asked to see the lawyer but blifil said he had left in a great hurry to go somewhere else then Mr allworthy asked Bill to take care of his mother's funeral after dinner when the doctor reported that the patient was now out of danger Tom got wildly and happily drunk later when Tom was still a little drunk he decided to cool himself in the open air before returning to Mr allworthy it was a pleasant summer evening made for love our hero walked beside a stream thinking about his dear Sophia soon he threw himself on the ground and said oh Sophia I will always love you and you alone if cruel Fortune separates us I will never love another at these words he jumped up and saw not his Sophia no dressed in dirty clothes after a day's work in the fields mly CM approached they started to speak but I will not say what words it is enough that they talked for a full quarter of an hour and then disappeared among the trees some of my readers might be surprised but I suggest that Tom probably thought one woman better than none and Molly probably imagined two men to be better than one just then blifil and Mr tham who were taking a walk caught sight of the lovers as they disappeared it's a man and a Wicked Woman cried blifil they chased after the couple making such a noise that Tom heard them he Leed out from behind the trees is it you tham said in a voice like thunder yes it is me said Tom and who is that Wicked Woman with you if I have any wicked woman with me I will certainly not tell you who she is cried Tom then I must tell you plainly I will discover her said tham moving forward and I must tell you plainly you will not said Tom with that a great fight began bill came forward to help and Tom knocked him to the ground tham who was a strong man and Champion fighter in his youth attacked Tom furiously blifil got up again and now the two together attacked our hero who you may remember was still weak from his broken arm suddenly a fourth person joined in shouting are you not ashamed to fight two against one for a second time Tom knocked Bill to the ground and tham attacked the newcomer whom he now recognized it was Mr Weston with his help Tom won the day Mr Weston's riding companions now arrived they were the honest priest Supple Mrs Weston the aunt of Sofia and the lovely Sofia herself this is what they saw in one place Bill lay on the ground pale and breathless near him stood Tom covered in blood some was his own and some was once owned by tham tham himself was there and looking bad tempered the last figure in the scene was Weston the great standing proudly over everyone everyone rushed to BFFL who showed little sign of life then suddenly a Lovelier object lay lifeless on the ground Sophia perhaps at the sight of blood had fainted Mrs Weston saw her and screamed immediately two or three voices cried out Miss Weston is dead Tom who was trying to help BFFL flew to Sophia lifted her in his arms and ran over the fields to the stream where he threw water over her face head and neck Sofia opened her eyes and cried oh heavens just as her father her aunt and the priests rushed up this tragic scene now became a scene of Joy Mr Weston kissed Sofia and then Tom there was nothing he would not give him except his dogs and his two favorite horses Tom washed in the Stream and Sophia sighed when she saw the black and blue marks caused by tham then Weston discovered the reason for the fight what were you fighting for a woman he laughed where is she show me Tom but Molly had crept away come gentlemen said Weston be friends come home with me and make peace over a bottle tham and blifil refused but Tom and the priest followed Mr Weston and his ladies home for an evening of joy and Good Humor chapter eight Mr Weston loses his temper it was Mrs Weston Sophia's Aunt who first noticed Sofia's Behavior she spoke about it to her brother brother she said have you not noticed something very extraordinary about my niece lately no not I said Mr Weston is there something the matter with my girl I think there is replied his sister what is it then cried Weston is she sick Send for the best doctor for I love her more than my own soul Mrs Weston smiled there is no need for a doctor she said for I believe sopia is desperately in love what cried Weston in love without telling me I'll punish her I'll send her away naked without a penny you will not do that said his sister until you know whether you approve of her choice perhaps the man she loves is exactly the man that you would choose for her that would make a difference agreed Weston if she loves the man I would choose she may love who she pleases that is spoken like a sensible man said his sister now what do you think of Mr BFFL did sopia not faint when she saw him lying breathless On The Ground by God said Weston you're right and I am very pleased I knew Sophie would not fall in love to make me angry no one will be better than bliff for our two properties lie side by side as if they were married and it will be a great pity to separate them what should I do you should propose the marriage to Mr allworthy sopia had noticed that her aunt was watching her so when her father invited Mr allworthy and his family to dinner she tried to hide her secret she was very Charming to bphil and paid no attention at to to Poor Tom her aunt saw this as more evidence that Sofia loved bill after dinner Mr Weston took Mr allworthy to one side and made his proposal Mr allworthy said that if the young people liked each other he would be happy to agree this attitude surprised Mr Weston he said that parents were the best judges and he expected Sofia to be obedient Mr allworthy promised to do discuss the matter with blifil when they returned home he told blifil about Mr Weston's proposal after a short silence blifil told his uncle that he had not thought of marriage yet but that he was glad to do what Mr aworthy wanted Mr allworthy thought this answer was rather cold but he wrote to Mr Weston to say that his nephew had thankfully and gladly received the proposal and was ready to visit the lady Mr westom was very pleased with Mr orw Worthy's message and replied immediately inviting Mr bfl to visit sopia that very afternoon he then asked his sister to tell her Sofia was reading when her aunt came into her room is it a book about love asked Mrs Weston as Sophia put down her book ah child your cheeks are quite pink do you think I don't know the reason do you think the secret that you keep from your father can be kept from me Cal you need not be ashamed but Madam said sofhia looking a little foolish why should I be ashamed what secret do you mean a secret which I saw plainly yesterday come I am your friend tell me yourself and I will give you happy news I know not what to say Madam said sofhia I tell you child answered her aunt we know your heart and we entirely approve this very afternoon your father has arranged for you to see your lover my father this afternoon cried sofhia turning pale yes child said her aunt this afternoon and you have me to thank I saw that you were in love when you fainted in the field and I saw it again at supper I know about these things child as soon as I told my brother he proposed the marriage to Mr allworthy allworthy agreed and your lover will come this afternoon this afternoon said sopia dear Aunt you scare me why child he's a Charming young fellow it's true said Sophia he is perfect so brave and yet so gentle so kind so clever and so handsome what does it matter that he is poor poor what do you mean Mr bfl poor sofhia turned pale and said faintly Mr BFFL yes Mr blifil who else have we been talking about Good Heavens said Sophia I thought of Mr Jones I protest cried her aunt now you scare me is it Mr Jones and not Mr BFFL who is the object of Your Love Mr Bill repeated Sofia can you possibly be serious if so I am the unhappiest woman in the world Mrs Weston stood silent for a few minutes while fire filled her eyes then in a voice of Thunder she said and can you possibly think of disgracing your family by marrying a bastard can the blood of the western be destroyed are you not ashamed to admit this to my face Sophia was shaking Madam she said what I have said you forced me to say I never planned to tell anyone but to take my secret Thoughts with me to my grave Sophia began to cry but Mrs Weston was not moved she continued to show her anger for a full quarter of an hour then she threatened to go immediately to tell her brother Sophia threw herself at her aunt's feet and begged her to keep her secret for fear of her father's temper at last her aunt agreed on one condition Sophia must receive Mr BFFL that afternoon as the man man who was to be her husband Sophia promised but begged her aunt to help her delay the marriage she hoped her father would change his mind when he knew how much she disliked Mr bfl no no Sophie said Mrs Weston to protect you from dishonor there is not a moment to lose when you are a wife you may love whom you wish but not before come come no tears said Mr Weston that afternoon are you crying because I am going to marry you to the man you love your mother was the same but she soon stopped after we were married Mr BFFL was soon put an end to your tears Cheer Up cheer up he'll be here soon sofhia kept her promise to her aunt when Mr Bill came her father left them alone together there was a very long silence then some polite words and then Sophia returned to her room Mr BFFL was satisfied he believed she was shy like all young ladies on their first visit from a lover he was confident that she admired him and of course he had not the least idea about Tom when blifil left Mr Weston went to find his Sophia he told her with kisses that she was his only joy on Earth she must choose whatever clothes and jewels she pleased he had no other use for his fortune than to make her happy he was so loving that Sofia thought she would never have a better opportunity to tell him her feelings she thanked her father many times for his kindness then fell to her knees she begged him not to make her the most miserable thing on Earth by forcing her to marry a man she hated I ask you this Dear Sir said she since you are so very kind to tell me your happiness depends on mine what said Weston staring wildly oh sir continued Sophia I cannot live with Mr bfl to force me to marry him would be to kill me you can't live with Mr B said Weston no sir I can't answered sopia then die and to hell with you cried he can the best of fathers break my heart cried Sophia poo poo can marriage kill you nonsense cried he oh sir answered she such a marriage is worse than death I hate him more than I can say you will marry him shouted Weston and if you don't I'll not give you a single penny if I saw you starving in the street I would not give you a piece of bread he then pushed her away so violently that her face hit the floor and he burst out of the room chapter n Bill's Revenge when the Weston flew into the Hall he saw Tom and told him what had happened Tom was astonished but offered to help go to her said the Furious man see what you can do Tom went instantly to sofhia and found her rising from the ground where her father had left her she had tears in her eyes and blood on her lips oh Mr Bon she cried why did you save my life my death would have made us both happier my heart bleeds dearest Sophia said Tom your cruel father told me everything and he himself sent me here he sent you surely you were dreaming answered Sofia he sent me to persuade you to marry my hateful rival promise that you will never give yourself to Bill that hateful name said she I promise I will never give him what it is in my power to keep from him now then cried Tom please tell me that I may hope Hope For What said Sophia sadly I do not care about my own ruin but I cannot make my father miserable the lovers stood in silence for a moment her hand in his suddenly the silence was broken by a terrible Roar Mrs Weston had just told her brother father Sophia's secret the idea of a marriage between Tom and his daughter had never once entered Mr Weston's head he believed equality in Fortune was as necessary to a marriage as difference of sex he thought his daughter could no more fall in love with a poor man as fall in love with an animal he was therefore violently shocked by his sister's news Sophia turned pale at the terrible sound of her father's approach and fainted in her Lover's arms when Mr Weston burst open the door and saw this all his anger disappeared he ran to his daughter roaring for help soon servants aunt and priest arrived with water and medicine and Sofia was carried off by the women now Mr Weston turned to Tom and his anger returned if Mr Supple who was a strong man had not held him back battle would have followed Mr Weston now swore and cursed like a countryman at a dog fight very calmly Tom said sir I cannot lift my hand against the father of sofhia these words made Mr West curse and struggle even more and Mr Supple begged Tom to leave Tom thanked him for this advice and immediately Departed the next morning immediately after breakfast Mr Weston rode to Mr allw Worthy's house and shouted at him there you really have done a fine piece of work what can be the matter Mr West said allworthy what's the matter my daughter has fallen in love with your bastard that's all but I won't give her a penny I always thought it was a bad thing to bring up a bastard like a gentleman and let him visit fine houses I am extremely sorry cried aworthy to hell with your sorrow sir said Weston it will do me no good when I have lost my only child my poor Sophie who was the joy of my heart but I will throw her out of the house she will beg and starve in the streets but sir said allworthy why did you give Tom so many opportunities to be with her did you not see any signs who could have known the devil did not come to visit her he came to hunt with me I never saw them kiss once but she will marry Mr Bill I promise you just keep your bastard away from my house if I catch him I'll kill him Mr Weston then rode back home to lock up his daughter Mr liil who had watched this scene in silence now said to his uncle I am sorry sir that Mr Jones has once again upset you if you knew what I knew about him what do you know anything worse than I already know this was Bill's opportunity to get revenge on Tom the very day your life was in danger he began when myself and all your family were in tears Mr Jones drank and sang and roared with happiness and then he beat me what cried allworthy did he dare to strike you he did replied blil that very evening Mr tham and I were walking in the fields and we saw him lying with a woman when we spoke to him Jones struck me down and beat Mr tham too oh child said his uncle in your goodness you have kept silent about this too long Mr allworthy first called for Mr tham who showed him the black and blue marks that still remained on his chest then he spent some hours alone deciding how to punish Tom the poor young man came into dinner as usual but his heart was so heavy that he could not eat after dinner Mr allworthy spoke to him for a long time he reminded Tom of all the bad things he had done in the past and told him what he had heard from Bill he ended by saying that if these recent things were true Tom must leave forever Poor Tom could not defend himself as Bill's story was partly true his heart was almost broken already and his spirits were so low that he could deny nothing he asked Mr allworthy to forgive him and hoped he did not deserve the greatest punishment in the world Mr allworthy answered that he had forgiven Tom too often gave him an envelope and said goodbye though the envelope contained £500 the gossips afterwards said that Tom was sent away peniles and even naked by his cruel father Tom was told to leave the house immediately he could send for his clothes later and so he walked away in a dream after about a mile he stopped to rest by a little stream his angry thoughts flew in many directions and it was some time before he was cool enough to consider what to do next first he decided to write to Sophia the thought of leaving her nearly broke his heart but he could not ruin her he emptied his pockets to find paper and he wrote Madam I must fly forever from your dear sight when you hear of my hard Fortune do not be concerned after losing you nothing else is important oh my Sophia it is hard to leave you please forget me may angels protect you then he walked away wondering how to send the letter after some time he realized that his pockets were empty he had left everything beside the stream he hurried back on the way he met his old friend the gamekeeper they returned to the stream together to look for Tom's things they looked everywhere but found nothing this was not surprising as they did not look in the gamekeeper's pockets black George was a dishonest fellow and did not mention that he had found Tom's things earlier at last Tom gave up hope of finding his belongings he decided to forget them even Mr orw Worthy's envelope which he had never opened he then asked George to take his letter to Sophia's house and give it to her maid George did this gladly and returned with this letter for Tom sir as you know my father's temper please avoid him I wish I could send you more Comfort but believe this nothing will make me give my hand or heart to another Tom kissed the letter aund times but as it did not change his situation he said goodbye to George and set off for the nearest town chapter 10 Sophia makes a decision Tom slept that night at an inn and sent for his clothes they arrived next morning with a a letter from blifil which advised him to change his life with the help of God it also repeated Mr allworthy wish for Tom to leave forever this caused a flood of tears but soon they DED I must obey Mr aworthy Tom decided I will go this moment but where and what can I do do without money he decided to go to sea but before we follow him we must return to see what has happened to the Charming sopia the morning that Mr Jones left Mr Weston allowed his sister to unlock Sophia's door I have promised your father said Mrs Weston to make you agree to marry Mr BFFL what is your objection a very solid one Madam said Sophia I hate him Sophie said her aunt in the world it is out of fashion romantic nonsense to want to like your husband but I will not marry blio said Sophia Weston who was listening outside then entered the room shouting you sister have taught her to be disobedient she was very obedient when she was a little child before you took her away to teach her the ways of the world I brother I it is you with your terrible country ways who have destroyed all my good teaching brother and sister then had a loud argument until Mrs Weston angrily called her carriage and left his house sir cried Sofia I am sure sure your sister loves you she has left you her whole fortune in her will these words shocked Weston might his sister now change her will he hurried after her carriage to apologize they returned together and Mrs Weston now suggested that the marriage take place as soon as possible blifil was invited to visit sopia again the next day go to her boy Bo cried Weston all worthy and I can finish the agreement today you can marry her tomorrow blifil did not object Sophia's tears brightened her eyes and her breasts Rose higher with her size his desire for her was mixed with pleasure at defeating his hated rival but most of all he wanted Sophia's wealth so blifil pretended to to love her and said that she loved him when the agreement was signed and the lawyers had left Sophia's maid came running to see her dear Madam said Mrs honor do not be shocked what I have to tell you just now I heard my master telling Mr Supple to get a license for you to be married tomorrow honor said Sophia I am shocked what can I do well Madam if I was in your place I would not find it difficult for Mr BFFL is a Charming sweet man honor I would kill myself first said Sophia oh Madam don't frighten me with such Wicked thoughts honor continued Sofia I know what I must do I must leave my father's house this very night and if you are my friend you will keep me company oh I will Madam to The World's End answered Anna but where can you possibly go to London said Sophia I know a lady of quality there who is a distant relation of mine I met her when I was staying with my aunt and she often invited me to visit her so we will go to London we left Tom on the road to Bristol planning to seek his fortune at Sea when it was almost dark he stopped at an inn for dinner and slept a while in a chair by the fire in the middle of the night there was a great thundering at the gate and when the landlord opened it the kitchen was immediately full of soldiers in Red Coats all all calling for beer Tom woke up and enjoyed their company when it was time for the soldiers to move on they began to argue loudly about the Bill Tom stopped the argument by offering to pay the men gave him a cheer and invited him to join them the Red Coats were fighting for King George they were marching against a rebel Army from the north Tom supported their cause and said he would go with his new friends they marched for a day with much joking and laughing and in the evening they arrived at a place where an old Captain was waiting for them the captain was surprised to see that Tom was dressed like a gentleman he invited Tom to dinner with himself and the rest of the officers after dinner they talked about the war one of the officers called noron was drunk he took a dislike to Tom and waited for a chance to make him look foolish the men decided to drink to the health of their ladies when it was Tom's turn he named Miss Sophia Weston he could not imagine that anybody present knew her I knew a Sophia Weston said noron she went to bed with half the young men of bath is it the same woman impossible said Tom Miss Weston is a young lady of great fashion and Fortune why so she is said northton who had seen Sofia walking in bath with her aunt he described her exactly and added that her father had a great property in Somerset Tom did not really understand this kind of joke so he turned to him and said please joke about something else joke cried northton I do not joke why I remember that Tom French had both her and her aunt in bed then I must tell you that you are a liar cried Tom noron cursed him and threw a bottle at his head Tom fell to the ground and lay still northton saw blood flowing from Tom's head and decided it was time to leave but the captain stopped him and asked was it true not a bit said northon I was just having a joke then said the captain as your joke has killed Mr Jones you are my prisoner sir and deserve to be hanged but northton broke away and escaped Into the Night chapter 11 Tom finds a friend Tom lay on the floor with no sign of life in him the captain sent some soldiers to chase after noron and then sent a servant to get a doctor some officers picked up Tom's bloody body from the floor and put it in a chair they saw that he still breathed D and began to argue about what to do soon the doctor arrived and ordered his patient to be taken instantly to bed after seeing Tom the doctor returned downstairs where the captain was sitting with the land lady of the Inn will he die asked the captain we will all die sir answered the doctor but do you think he is in danger asked the landl I cannot say said the doctor it's a terrible thing to spill human blood said the land lady except when it is the blood of our enemies I hope all our enemies are killed for then the war will end and our taxes will be lower later that night Tom woke and called for the captain he said he felt much better and told the captain he needed a sword so that he could fight northton I Love Your brave Spirit my boy said the old Captain but after such blow and so much loss of blood you are weak and you must rest but what about my honor cried Tom your honor must wait young gentleman said the captain for I am afraid Mr noron has escaped the captain left and Tom slept again when he woke it was late in the afternoon and he called for some tea when the land lady brought it up she said that the doctor had gone and all the soldiers and officers had marched away Tom asked her to prepare some food and to send him a barber he felt in perfect health and spirits while he was waiting for the barber he chose some clean clothes to wear the barber soon arrived with soap and hot water and began to shave Tom very slowly Tom asked him to hurry I never hurry said said the barber Festina lente I say you speak Latin said Tom you're a man of learning a poor one sir said the barber indeed learning is ruined me my father wanted me to be a dancing teacher but instead of learning to dance I learned to read Latin he hated me for that and left all his money to my Brothers I would like to get to know you better said Tom will you do me the honor of drinking a glass with me tonight sir I will do you 20 honors if you wish how can you do that my friend why I will drink a whole bottle with you if you wish for you are a good man and I love a good conversation Jones now walked downstairs neatly dressed looking so handsome that one of the servant girls fell violently in love with him in 5 minutes while he ate his dinner the barber sat in the kitchen with the land lady he is no young gentleman she told the barber I have heard he was turned away from Mr allw Worthy's house a servant then said the barber what's his name Jones He told me but perhaps he uses a false name if his name is Jones he told you the truth said the barber strangely and perhaps he is Mr allw Worthy's son after dinner Tom called for a bottle and the barber joined him Tom poured out a glass of wine and raised it to your good health doc tiim ton sorum he said I ago TB gratius Domin replied the barber then he asked sir is it possible that your name is Jones it is said Tom how strange said the barber Mr Jones you don't know me which is not surprising as you only saw me once when you were very young how is the good Mr allworthy you seem to know me said Tom a little suspiciously may I ask sir why you are traveling this way fill the glass Mr Barber and ask no more questions oh I apologize sir when a gentleman like you travels without servants we may suppose he is in Kazu incognito but I promise you I can keep a secret that is unusual in your profession Mr Barber ah sir answered the barber I was not always a barber non I have spent most of my life among gentlemen I have a great respect for you people talked about the good nature you showed to black George and they loved you for it I am your friend every miserable man needs a friend and Tom was not only miserable he was also openhearted the Barber's behavior and his bits of poor Latin suggested that he was no ordinary fellow so Tom told him why he was going to see the barber noticed that there was one thing that Tom left out of his story though he said that he was bfl's rival in love he carefully avoided naming the young lady concerned when the barber asked him Tom paused a moment then said I trust you sir her name is Sophia Weston Mr Weston's daughter is now a woman cried the barber I remember her father as a boy well Tempest Eda reum Tom was tired now and went up to his room to rest in the morning he sent for the doctor but he was not to be found and the barber was called instead Tom was surprised I asked for the doctor Mr Barber he said I want him to open my bandage well sir replied the Baba I am also a doctor and if you wish me to open your bandage I am willing no Tom was not very confident the man seemed serious so he allowed him to open the bandage and look at his head when the barber saw Tom's wound he made shocked noises Tom suspected he was joking stop playing a fool he said angrily what is your opinion answer seriously why then cried the other if I may put on a clean bandage I promise you will soon be well well Mr Barber or Mr doctor or Mr Barber doctor said Tom as the new bandage was applied you are one of the strangest men I ever met there must be something very surprising in your story I would like to hear it you shall hear it said his friend but first let me lock the door so that we are not interrupted he did so and then said I must begin sir by telling you that you have been my greatest enemy I your enemy said Tom amazed please don't be angry sir for you were just a baby and did not mean to harm me I think you will understand everything when I tell you my name have you ever heard sir the name of Partridge a man who was honored to be called your father and who was ruined by that honor I have heard that name said Tom And I have always believed that I am that man's son well sir I am Partridge but you are not my son chapter 12 an angel appears to a woman in trouble Partridge was sure that this extraordinary meeting with the person who caused all his bad fortune was a sign that good fortune was coming so he was determined to follow Tom Tom said he would do everything in his power to help the unfortunate man but he added perhaps you think I will be able to pay you Mr Partridge but really I cannot and he showed Partridge his purse now Partridge firmly believed that Tom was Mr allw Worthy's son and he could not imagine why that good man would send his son away he therefore believed that Tom had made up the story and that he was actually running away from his father if Partridge could persuade Tom to return to his father Mr aworthy would certainly reward him well he said to Tom I see you have very little money now sir but things will change in the future I am not asking for payment just let me travel with you as your friend and so taking a few clean shirts and leaving the rest of Tom's things locked up in partridge's house they set off Tom was very pleased with partridge's company and the two walked along together until they came to Gloucester here they ate dinner in an inn and then Tom decided to continue walking through the night the Clock Struck five as the pair left Gloucester as it was the middle of winter it was dark but a bright moon gave them light Tom remembered some romantic poems about the moon Partridge added some comments in Latin and they traveled on for about 5 miles in this way suddenly Tom stopped and said who knows Partridge the loveliest lady in all the world may be looking at that Moon this very moment perhaps sir said Partridge but if you wish to have your lady in your arm again why don't we go back now if you wish to go back said Tom I will thank you and give you some money but I am determined to go on then I am determined to follow you said Partridge they walked on through the cold night and when the sun came up they found a place on a hill to sleep Tom was the first to wake from a wood below the hill came a woman's violent screams Tom listened for a moment then ran down the hill and into the wood there he saw a shocking sight a woman half naked with a belt around her neck and a man who was trying to hang her from a tree Tom asked no questions but took his stick and beat the man to the ground he continued beating him until the woman begged Ed him to stop the poor thing then fell to her knees and thanked him as he lifted her up she said you must be a good Angel indeed he was a Charming figure and if an angel has youth health strength freshness spirit and good nature then Tom certainly looked like one the woman looked less like an angel she was middle-aged and not much of a beauty but in her torn clothes she looked very attractive to Tom they stood in silence until the man on the ground began to move looking at his face Tom was greatly surprised to see that it was Mr northton Tom took noran's belt and tied his hands behind him then he helped him to his feet saying northton do you remember me you insulted me and nearly killed me Fortune has brought us together again for me to punish you Tom asked the woman where she could get some clothes but she said she was a stranger in that part of the country Tom then told them both to wait while he looked for help when he returned unsuccessful the woman was alone though noran's hands were tied his feet were free and he had walked off Through the Wood do not spend time looking for him begged the woman please take me to the nearest town Jones offered her his coat to cover herself with but for some reason she absolutely refused it then I will walk in front of you and will not offend you by Looking Back said Tom And though he did try to keep looking ahead the lady often asked him to turn around to help her and so our hero brought his companion safely into the town of Upton when they arrived Tom took the lady to the best Inn in the street and asked for a room upstairs as they followed a servant up to the room the landlord shouted hey where is that beggar woman going come downstairs leave the lady alone cried Tom from above then leaving His companion in her room he returned downstairs to ask the land lady to send her up some clothes now The Inn at which our Travelers had arrived was very respectable good ladies from Ireland and the north of England liked to stay there on their way to bath while the land lady could not expect every conversation that took place under her roof to be perfectly in inocent she did not want the Inn to get a bad name Tom and his half- naked companion must go before they harmed her reputation the land lady had picked up a heavy Kitchen pot and was just about to go upstairs when Tom came in asking for some clothes as they stood there the landlord arrived calling the lady upstairs all the bad names he could think of Tom hit the landlord the land lady lifted her pot to hit Tom and at this moment Partridge walked in glad to find Tom again seeing the danger Partridge caught hold of the land lady's arm she turned and knocked him to the ground the sound of a carriage and horses outside put a sudden stop to this bloody war the landlord and his wife rushed out to meet the new guests a young lady and her maid had arrived and were taken upstairs to the best room Tom rushed to pick up faithful Partridge from the floor and sent him outside to wash his bloody nose at the water pump now the naked lady came down asking about all the noise she found a tablecloth to cover herself with at this moment a soldier arrived demanding beer and somewhere to sleep he noticed Tom's lady companion Madam said the soldier in Surprise are you not Captain waters's lady have you had some kind of accident I have indeed said Mrs Waters and I have to thank this gentleman for rescuing me whatever this gentleman has done my lady said the solder I am sure the captain will thank him for it and if I can help you please command me hearing these words the land lady now rushed into the kitchen apologizing to Mrs waters for her behavior and offering her some clothes to wear oh how could I know that a fashionable lady like you would appear in such racks she cried if I had suspected that my lady was my lady I would have burned my tongue out before I said what I said Tom begged Mrs Waters to forgive the land lady and to accept her clothes and the two women went upstairs Partridge soon came back the landlord brought him beer and perfect calm returned to the kitchen chapter 13 an Inn's reputation is put at risk Tom had not eaten for 24 hours so when Mrs Waters invited him to have dinner with her in her room he was happy to accept while three lounds of meat which were once part of an animal now became part of Tom Mrs Waters watched him with other things on her mind now Tom was really one of the handsomest young men in the world his face was the picture of Health with signs of sweetness and good nature which were noticed by everyone who saw him he was strong active gentle and good-tempered and people enjoyed his cheerful company Mrs Waters saw all this and formed a very good opinion of him in fact she had fallen in love with Tom and she wanted him to know it how could she show him first she shot sharp looks from her two lovely blue eyes but these only hit a piece of meat which Tom was then putting on his plate then a heavy sigh lifted her Fair breasts but its Sweet Sound was lost as he opened a bottle of beer many other tricks were tried but while our hero was eating hunger defended him against love when dinner was over the attack began again with a smile which showed more than just pretty white teeth this smile our hero received with full force and he began to see the enemy's plan he defended himself weakly trying to think about his fair sopia but his heart was soon captured by Mrs Waters and we will now politely leave the room meanwhile the couple upstairs were the topic of conversation in the kitchen where the landlord sat with his wife Partridge the soldier and the carriage driver the soldier explained that Mrs Waters was the wife of a captain though some people said they were not actually married people also said she was a good friend of Mr noron though the captain knew nothing about that the soldier then asked where Partridge and his Master were traveling he's not my master said Partridge we are friends amum sumus I am a school teacher and he is one of the greatest gentlemen in the country then why does such a great gentleman walk about the country on foot asked the landlord I really don't know answered Partridge he has a dozen horses and servants in gler but last night he decided to walk the soldier then began to drink to the king and after a while he suggested a fight the carriage driver agreed to fight for a bet and the two took off their shirts and fought each other fiercely until the soldier won the young lady who had been resting upstairs now sent down orders for her carriage to be prepared as she was ready to continue her journey impossible to speak plainly The Carriage driver was now completely drunk so was the soldier Partridge was not much better the land lady was called To Take tea upstairs to Mr Jones and Mrs Waters and she told them this news she is such a sweet pretty lady she said and in such a hurry to leave I am sure she is in love and running away to meet a young gentleman at these words Tom sighed heavily Mrs Waters noticed she suspected she might have arriv Ral but she did not mind Tom's Beauty Charmed her eyes but because she could not see his heart she did not worry about it nor did she bother to tell him about her own situation though Tom was careful not to ask her questions which might embarrass her the reader will sure wants to know so here are the real facts this lady had lived for some years with Captain Waters pretending to be his wife and using his name I am sorry to say she was also very friendly with Mr noron it was a friendship that did her reputation no good when noron through the bottle which hit Tom's head he thought it had killed him he escaped punishment by running off into the night and it was to Mrs Waters that he ran Captain Waters was away at that time so Mrs Waters agreed to help northton to get away to a seap port where he could Escape abroad she offered to walk with him to a place where he could get a horse and she said she would give him some of her money noron noticed that she had 90 in her purse and a diamond ring on her finger and he made another plan when they reached a lonely wood he suddenly took off his belt grabbed the poor woman and tried to kill her it was at this moment that our hero had arrived to rescue her it was now midnight and everyone was in bed except Susan the kitchen maid who was washing the kitchen floor suddenly a gentleman on Horseback arrived and rushed into the kitchen to ask if there was a lady in the Inn the later hour and his wild Behavior surprised Susan but when the gentleman said he was looking for his wife she immediately thought he was Mr Waters she accepted some money from the gentleman and took him upstairs to Mrs waters's room in the polite World a gentleman always knocks before he enters his wife's bedroom this gentleman did knock but in such a violent way that the door flew open and he fell into the room as he got to his feet again he saw we admit it with shame and sorrow our hero himself in bed demanding to know the reason for this rude Behavior the gentleman was about to apologize when he saw in the Moonlight various pieces of a woman's clothing on the floor in a jealous rage he rushed to the bed Tom jumped out of the bed to stop him and now Mrs waters for we must confess she was in the same bed began to scream murder robbery until the guest in the Next Room rushed in to help this guest was an Irishman who was on his way to Bath he stood at the door holding a candle in one hand and his sword in the other he looked at the Furious gentleman and cried out Mr Fitzpatrick what is the meaning of this the gentleman immediately answered oh Mr mclin I am glad you are here this devil is in bed with my wife your wife cried Mr mclan I know Mrs Fitzpatrick very well and I don't see her here Fitzpatrick now looked more closely at the lady in the bed and saw his unfortunate mistake he began to apologize at that moment the land lady came in and Mrs Waters quickly called out to her what kind of place is this all these men have broken into my room to rob me Fitzpatrick hanging down his head explained his mistake apologized again and left with his friend Tom explained that he had rushed in to help Mrs Waters when he heard all the noise thank God my reputation is not ruined cried the land lady there has never been a robbery in my Inn only good honest people come here and she returned downstairs and what about Mr Fitzpatrick after he had Disturbed the house in this unfortunate way the reader will find it hard to believe he was a gentleman Mr Fitzpatrick was indeed born a gentleman but without any money Lu Lu he had married a young woman with a fortune he was cruel to his wife but generous with her Fortune now he had spent it all and she had run away Mr Fitzpatrick had followed his wife and was sure he would find her in The Inn at Upton after his terrible mistake he never thought she might be in another room tired and disappointed he accepted Mr mclin's kind offer to share his bed for the rest of the Night chapter 14 the ring on his pillow the land lady went downstairs to talk to Susan about the night's events and Partridge who was always looking for a chance to drink and talk joined them in the kitchen after a while two new people arrived at the Inn two young women in riding clothes one one of them was so richly dressed that Partridge crept into a corner to admire her the lady in the rich clothes asked if she could warm herself at the kitchen fire she didn't want to eat and said they could only stay an hour or two because they were in a hurry the land lady sent Susan upstairs to light a fire in a bedroom where the lady could rest when the lady was settled in the bedroom her hungry maid came back downstairs to the kitchen and ordered chicken now the chicken was still alive and the maid was hungry the land lady suggested other meat but the maid was as delicate as a queen about her food indeed she said I believe this is the first time I have ever sat in a kitchen to eat I am glad there are no poor people here you sir look like a gentleman yes yes Madam cried partridge I am a gentleman I am here with the son of great Mr allworthy of Somerset I know Mr allworthy very well said the maid and I know that he has no son alive this confused Partridge a little but he answered well Madam not everybody knows this for Mr allworthy was never married to the mother but Mr Jones is certainly his son you surprise me sir cried the maid Mr Jones is in this Inn and she rushed upstairs Sophia for this was the richly dressed young lady was resting with her lovely head on her hand when her maid entered the room crying Madam who do you think is here Sophia sat up and cried not my father no Madam said Anna the maid it is Mr Jones Sophia sent anonna back to the kitchen to ask Mr Jones's friend to wake him immediately Partridge refused my friend went to bed very late I promise he will not be angry honor insisted another time answered Partridge one woman at a time is enough for any reasonable man he then told honor directly for he was more than a little drunk that Jones was in bed with another woman when Anna told Sofia this she did not believe it at that moment Susan came in to check the fire sopia asked her what she knew and with the help of some money from sopia the story came out then Susan said if you like Madam I can creep into the young man's room and see if he is in his own bed sfia agreed so she did this and came back to say that Tom's bed was empty then Susan said that Mr Jones had told everybody about Sophia he told us Madam that you were dying of love for him but he was going to the war to get rid of you but how could he leave such a fine Rich beautiful lady as you to be with another man's wife Sofia sent Susan downstairs to order the horses then she burst into tears after some time she thought of a way to punish Tom she gave honor her favorite ring and asked her to leave it on the pillow in Tom's empty room she then paid her bill and rode away with her maid it was now past 5 in the morning during the night the other young lady deciding not to wait for her carriage driver had left the Inn on horseback with her maid other people were now waking up Tom returned to his room to get dressed and called Partridge oh sir cried Partridge why should any man go to these herida Bella these bloody wars when he can go home and have everything he needs Partridge you are a coward cried Tom you may go home if you wish but I will not then I will stay said Partridge for you need me why last night I protected you from two wicked women and see one of them was in your room for there is her ring oh heavens it is sopus cried Tom is she here she was Sir said a frightened Partridge but by now she will be many miles away then we will leave immediately cried Tom Tom downstairs Mr Fitzpatrick and his friend Mr mclan were making arrangements for Carriage to take them to bath at that moment shouting loudly a man arrived on Horseback with several companions it was Sofia's father Mr Weston was asking loud questions about his daughter when Tom came downstairs with Sofia's ring in his hand my daughter's ring shouted Weston where is she it is her ring said Tom but I have not seen her he is a liar cried Mr Fitzpatrick for I caught him in bed with her and sir I'll take you to her room Mr Weston and Mr Fitzpatrick rushed up the stairs together and once again Mrs Waters was disturbed by men bursting into her room Mr Weston was shocked apologized and rushed off to look for Sophia in the other rooms Mrs Waters now got dressed and prepared to leave when it was clear that there were no young ladies in the Inn Mr Weston cursed everybody ordered his horses and rode off with his companions Mr Fitzpatrick invited Mrs Waters to travel to Bath in his Carriage Tom paid his bill and set off on foot with Mr Partridge and that was the end of Tom's Adventures at Upton chapter 15 Sophia finds a place to stay when Sophia and honor left Upton they asked their guide to travel towards London they had just crossed a river when they heard the sound of horses behind them Sophia ordered the guide to travel faster faster still came the horses behind them and soon they were overtaken The Travelers who joined sofhia were also a lady her maid and a guide very politely the two parties agreed to travel together they rode steadily without speaking until daylight came then the two ladies who were riding side by side looked at each other and said with one breath Sophia Harriet the wise reader will not be surprised urised to learn that the lady whom Sofia recognized was Mrs Fitzpatrick for she had indeed been staying in the Inn they had just left what will surprise you is that Harriet Fitzpatrick was Sophia's cousin they had once lived together with their aunt Mrs Weston and were dear friends until Harriet had run away to marry Mr Fitzpatrick at the age of 18 in the afternoon they stopped at an inn to eat and rest s IIA who had not been to bed for two nights slept until after the sun went down when she woke she ordered tea and told Harriet that she was traveling to London her cousin agreed to accompany her she had planned to go to Bath or to stay with her aunt Weston but her husband's sudden arrival at the Inn in Upton had changed her mind Sofia now felt so fresh that she suggested leaving immediately it was a clear night and not too cold Harriet begged her to wait until morning so the two cousins stayed the night in the inn and exchanged stories Harriet's story was so tragic that when dinner came Sophia could hardly eat Harriet had suffered from cruelty jealousy and terrible unhappiness but her appetite seemed excellent and she stopped for a while to enjoy her meal then she finished her story Mr fit Patrick wanted the last of my money he never beat me but he did lock me in my room I had no pen no paper no books just a servant to make my bed every day and bring me food I was desperate but by very good fortune well I will not Tire you with the details I managed to escape I made my way to Dublin took a boat to England and was traveling to B when I stopped to Toton my husband overtook me there last night but though I heard him he did not find me Sofia gave a sigh it was now time to tell her story which she did and I hope the reader will excuse me P will say one thing she never mentioned say one she to end never mentioned take take take very late that evening an Irish Lord arrived at the Inn learning that Mrs Fitzpatrick was upstairs he sent the landlord up with a message Harriet seemed very pleased to receive the message and invited the Lord to visit them immediately he seemed to be a very special friend he was a neighbor of harats in Ireland and in fact it was with his help that she had managed to escape from her husband but for some reason she had not given this information to Sofia the Lord seemed surprised that Harriet was not in bath he very politely offered to take the two ladies to London in his Carriage Harriet accepted instantly when the Lord left Harriet spoke warmly about him and his love for his wife saying she believed he was the most faithful husband she knew then it was time time for sleep next morning the ladies paid their guides and it was then that Sofia discovered she had lost something it was a bank note which her father had given her to buy her wedding clothes she searched everywhere but the note was not to be found and she realized she must have dropped it on the road when she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket the ladies and their Maids now got into the Lord's carriage and set off accompanied by many servants they traveled 90 mi in 2 days and on the second evening arrived in London they were taken to the Lord's House as his wife was not in town Harriet absolutely refused his invitation to stay in the house and lodgings were found for her Sophia spent one night with her cousin but next day sent a note to Lady belliston the relative she had met at her aunt's house she was immediately invited to stay with her Harriet seemed happy for Sophia to leave her alone and sopia began to suspect the reason she tried to give her cousin some wise advice consider what a dangerous situation you are in my dear you are a married woman and your friend's wife is not here people will gossip Harriet was amused and said I will visit you soon Dear Sophie now please try to forget your country ideas so sofhia went to Lady bison's house where she found a warm welcome lady belliston promised to give her all the protection which it was in her power to give and as we have now brought our heroine into safe hands we can leave her there for a while and return to Poor Tom chapter 16 rich food when Tom and His companion Partridge left Upton they marched with heavy hearts though for different reasons they came to a Crossroads and Tom asked Partridge which road they should take if you take my advice said Partridge you will turn around and return home I have no home to return to cried Tom even if my godfather would take me back I could not bear to live there without Sophia now since I cannot follow her let us follow the Army I believe they went this way and by chance Tom chose the road which Sofia had taken they marched on for several miles and arrived at another Crossroads here a poor man in rags asked them for money Partridge was very rude to him but Tom gave him a coin Master cried the man after thanking him I have something interesting here which I found about 2 miles away as you are kind I know you will not think I am a thief would you like to buy it he then passed a little gold notebook to Tom he opened it and guess reader what he felt saw on the first page the words Sophia Weston written in her own Fair hand he kissed and kissed the page while he was kissing the book as if he had a delicious little cake in his mouth a piece of paper fell from its pages to the ground Partridge picked it up and gave it to Tom who shouted that it was a bank note for £100 partridge was delighted at this news and so was the honest man though it is fair to say that perhaps he was honest because he could not read Tom immediately told him that he knew the owner of the notebook and would follow her and return it he paid him a pound for the notebook and asked him to lead them to the place where he found it they then walked together to the place where Sophia had unhappily dropped the notebook and where the man had happily found it Tom opened the notebook a hundred times kissed it as often and talked to himself as he walked when they arrived at the place the poor man who had been thinking about the bank note now said to Tom please give me half the money I found Tom refused I will give it to the right owner he said but let me write your name in The Notebook and one day you may have a reward our Travelers then left the man and moved on so fast that they had no breath for conversation Tom thought about sofhia Partridge thought about the bank note and as they came into the next town they met three horses led by a boy whom Partridge recognized as the guide who came to Upton with Sophia the boy told Tom that Sophia did not need the horses anymore as she had continued her journey in a carriage Tom quickly offered to pay him to take them to London in instead the boy agreed and now Tom and Partridge continued their Journey on Horseback reader my pen will not describe the roads the rivers and the other Beauties which passed by as our Travelers road towards London but one cold wet night there was a conversation which I will repeat sir said Partridge we have had no dinner today yeah you look fresh and strong do you live on love this dear notebook is my food said Tom and very rich it is too rich yes cried Partridge for it has enough in it to buy us a hundred dinners Partridge said Tom what are you suggesting oh nothing dishonest answered Partridge where is the dishonesty in spending a little now if you repay it later as your own money is nearly finished where can be the harm if you need it a great lady does not lead it especially if she is now with a lord Partridge said Tom firmly finding and spending is the same as stealing and stealing is a hanging matter this note is the property of my own dear Angel and I will put it in no other hands but hers even if I am starving chapter 17 Tom receives an invitation when they arrived in London Tom Sent Partridge to find lodgings while he began his search for sofhia he started looking for the house where the Irish Lord lived he walked through the streets until 11: that night and began again early next morning at last he found himself in the right Street and someone directed him to the Lord's House Tom was dressed in country clothes and these showed signs of many days on the road so when he knocked on the door the servant who opened it was not very polite he said there were no ladies in the house and that the Lord was busy fortunately another servant was listening he followed Tom into the street and offered for a sum of money to show him where the two ladies were staying it was very bad luck that Tom arrived at Harriet's door about 10 minutes after sopia had left the maid took a message upstairs but Harriet sent back a message to say she was too busy to see Tom he was sure that sopia was in the house with her cousin and probably angry about what had happened at Upton he told the servant that he would call again in the evening and spent all day in the Street Watching the door but nobody came out in the evening he returned to Mrs Fitzpatrick's house this time she agreed to see him Tom asked about sofhia but Harriet told him nothing she said that he could call again the following evening then sent him away as she was expecting another visitor as nothing unusual happened during the next visit which was from her friend the Irish Lord we will pass quickly to the next morning Harriet worried about her cousin's unexpected visitor and decided to ask the advice of sopia's relative lady belliston she got up before the sun and at this unfashionable hour she went to Lady Bell's house hoping to see her while sopia was still in bed lady iston was very interested in Harriet's story she especially liked her description of the young man A very handsome fellow and so Charming lady belliston thought she should see the fellow before deciding what to do she promised to visit Harriet that evening and told her to make sure Mr Jones was there that Winter's day was one of the shortest in the year but to Tom it seemed one of the longest though 6:00 was the polite time to visit it was soon after 5: when he knocked again on Harriet's door she received him kindly but still said she knew nothing about Sofia after some time Tom decided to explain that he had a large sum of money that he wanted to deliver to Sophia he showed Harriet the notebook and told her what it contained and how it was found they were now interrupted by the arrival of an elegant lady who was followed a little later by the Irish Lord everyone bowed low to each other then a brilliant conversation began which though it was very fine I shall not repeat Tom watched this fashionable scene in polite silence as nobody took any notice of him at last Harriet asked Tom to tell her where she might find him the next day and he soon left the company now the elegant visitors took a great great deal of notice of him but nothing they said was very kind so I shall not repeat that either lady belliston then left the Lord for some reason or other now made Harriet promise she would not see Mr Jones again and as nothing else passed between them of importance to us we were returned to Our Heroes Affairs the place where Tom had sent Partridge to find lodgings was a house in Bond Street where Mr Mr allworthy always stayed when he was in London it was owned by Mrs Miller a good woman whose husband had died leaving her with two young daughters and not very much else though Tom did not know this Mr allworthy had given Mrs Miller the house and a sum of money for furniture so that she could earn money by renting rooms Tom had a room on the second floor and Partridge W on the fourth on the first floor was a pleasant young gentleman called Mr Nightingale when Tom arrived back that evening Nightingale invited him to share a bottle of wine their friendly conversation was suddenly interrupted by a maid who brought in a packet which had been delivered by a stranger for Mr Jones inside was a mask a ticket for a party the next evening and a message that said the queen of fairies sends you this be kind to her you are a lucky man said Nightingale I am sure these were sent by a lady who wants to meet you at the party Tom did feel lucky if Mrs Fitzpatrick had sent the packet he might possibly see his Sophia at the party he decided to go and invited his new friend to go with him the next evening Nightingale invited Tom to eat with him in town before the party but Tom excused himself to tell the truth he had not a penny in his pocket and had to borrow some coins from Partridge Partridge took the opportunity to advise Tom once again to go home how often must I tell you that I have no home to go to answered Tom when Mr allworthy gave me the envelope of money I don't know how much it was but I'm sure he was very generous he said he never wanted to see me again Partridge had never heard of this money before he asked what had happened to it Tom told him how he had left the envelope beside a stream in Somerset and how he and black George had gone back to look for it but without success then a message came saying that Mr Nightingale was back from dinner and was ready to leave for the party chapter 18 Sophia has a rival when the two men arrived at the party they walked about together for a while then Mr Nightingale left Tom alone as everyone was wearing masks he looked for ladies with Sofia's shape and spoke to them hoping they would answer with Sofia's voice but none of them did suddenly a masked woman tapped him on the shoulder and said for follow me he followed her to the end of the room where she sat down and said in a soft voice Miss Weston is not here my good fairy queen said Tom you have cleverly changed your voice but I know you are Mrs Fitzpatrick please tell me where I might find sopia The Masque answered do you think I would encourage my cousin in an affair which would end in her ruin and did your fairy queen invite you here to speak about a rival Tom realized that for this lady to bring him to Sofia he must please her so he began to be more Charming the two walked and talked for some time to Tom's surprise the lady greeted Everyone by name even though they wore masks people of fashion she explained know each other anywhere and to them the masks childish you will see that they get bored quickly at this kind of party and leave early I myself am bored and I believe you are too I will leave now and I hope you will not follow me indeed I won't know what to say if you do from this Tom realized that he should follow the lady and he walked behind her carriage all the way to a house where the door opened to admit her and her follower once inside Tom begged her to take off her mask and when at last she did he discovered not Mrs Fitzpatrick but lady belliston after that they had a very ordinary conversation which as it lasted from 2 until 6:00 in the morning I shall not bore you with the lady then promised to look for Sophia and they agreed to meet again in the evening Tom returned to his lodgings after a few hours sleep he called Partridge and showed him a bank note of £50 saying he could now repay his debt though Partridge was glad he was also suspicious as Tom was out all night Partridge imagined his desperate master must have robbed someone the reader must imagine the same unless he suspects the generosity of lady belliston in fact the money was from the lady though she did not give much to hospitals and churches she did think that young men without a penny in their pockets needed her help that evening Mrs Miller came home from a visit to her cousin the cousin was expecting a baby her husband was out of work her children were starving and the youngest was very sick when he heard this sad story Tom took Mrs Miller to one side and gave her his purse asking her to spend as much as she needed to help these poor people Mrs Miller was amazed cried took 10 and said I already know one kind man in the world now I know another Mrs Miller then told Tom what Mr allworthy had done for her when her husband died that evening Tom met lady belliston again they had another long conversation but as it was just as ordinary as the one the previous evening I shall not give details Tom grew more and more impatient to see Sophia but if he mentioned her to lady belliston she became angry he was in a very uncomfortable situation as lady belliston had grown violently fond of him he was now one of the best dressed men about town he believed her when she said that Sophia was deliberately hiding from him and he could not forget that if ever they did come together her father would never forgive her but even if he did not love Sofia Tom could never love lady belliston as her generosity deserved she was in the Autumn of life and though she still had roses in her cheeks it was Art and not nature that put them there the next afternoon while he was trying to decide what to do a message came from Lady belliston the friend's house where she had been meeting Tom was not available they would have to meet at her own house at 7 exactly ex L Tom arrived at the house a little earlier than 7 and lady belliston had not yet returned from dinner he was waiting in the hall when the door opened and in came no other than sopia herself lady belliston had cleverly sent her to the theater so she could be alone with Tom but Sophia had not enjoyed the play and had left quite early Sophia first went to look in a mirror behind her own lovely face she suddenly saw Tom turning to him she screamed and he moved forward to catch her before she fainted to describe their looks and thoughts at this moment is beyond my power if you have ever been in love you will feel in your own heart what passed in theirs the time they had a loan Tom returned Sophia's notebook and the bank note then he fell to his knees and apologized to her about what had happened in The Inn at Upton Sophia was very glad to hear that he had never seen Mrs Waters again but was angry that Tom had told people in the Inn that he was escaping from Sofia's love Tom who was surprised at these words was able to trace them back to Partridge and swore more than once that he would put him to death as soon as he got home things were now going so well that Tom began to say some words that sounded like a proposal of marriage when suddenly in came lady belliston Miss Weston she said with admirable control I thought you were at the theater Sophia who had no suspicions about Tom's reason for being in the house explained why she had come home early then she said that the gentleman with her had returned her notebook both the ladies then thanked him and Tom playing a very complicated game asked for a high reward it is ladies the honor of visiting you here again do you know Sophie dear said lady belliston after Tom had left I had a horrible suspicion when I first came into the room that the young gentleman was Mr Jones indeed cried Sophia laughing oh sopie Sophie cried the lady I can see by your color that you still have Mr Jones in your thoughts on my honor Madam said Sofia Mr Jones is as unimportant to me as the gentleman who just left us then I promis I will not mention his name again said lady belliston and the two ladies went to bed each feeling rather clever sofhia lay awake all night but lady belliston did not she was enjoying her secret meetings with Tom and next day she saw a way to remove her young rival from the scene chapter 19 Tom proposes marriage Sophia had another admirer an English Lord who had met her more than once at lady Bell's he had noticed her at the theater and was disappointed when she left early next morning he called to say he hoped she was not unwell he stayed for 2 hours and in that time he fell in love lady belliston was pleased to see her Noble friend paying so much attention to Sofia she took him to one side and said Lord felma are you in love with my young cousin from the country I believe I am Madam said Lord felar will you tell her father that I wish to marry her I will indeed answered the lady and I am sure he will agree but there is is one problem you have a rival Lord felar looked disappointed but added the lady though she loves this rival he is a beggar and a bastard I believe you can solve this problem but not by gentle methods what do you mean my lady asked Lord felma if you are willing to be bold my Lord you could be married to my cousin within a week said Lady belliston Lady belliston and Lord felar then made a plan at 7 that evening when Sophia was alone in her room reading a tragic novel The Door suddenly opened and in came Lord felar Sophia dropped her book and Lord felar made a low bow Madam he said as you have my heart you cannot be surprised by a visit from its owner are you out of your senses my Lord answered sofhia I am Madam cried Lord felar taking her hand you are my angel and you must be mine Sofia pulled her hand away and tried to leave but lord felar caught her in his arms and said I cannot live without you so I must make you mine I will scream said Sophia and she did but lady belliston had taken care to send the servants away suddenly an enormous noise filled the house and help came to poor Sophia in a very unexpected way where is she cried the loud voice of Mr Weston where is my daughter I know she's in this house and the door flew open to let in Sophia's father and all his followers I shall never be able to describe the situation that followed unless the reader's imagination helps me Sophia fell into a chair pale frightened and full of relief Lord felar sat down near her amazed frightened and ashamed Mr Weston's clothes were rather untidy he was in plain English drunk lady belliston now entered the room after an unsteady bow Mr Weston said sopie here's your cousin in front of her won't you tell me that you will marry one of the best young men in England sir said Lord felar thinking Mr Weston meant him I am the happy man who will marry your daughter you are a son of the devil shouted Weston she will not marry you in spite of your fine clothes come madam and Mr Weston rushed his daughter into a carriage and ordered it to drive to his lodgings when her maid honor tried to come to he refused saying no more escapes Sophie I will get you a better maid luckily honna knew where to find Tom and she went straight to his lodgings to tell him what had happened she had no idea how Mr Weston had found sopia or where he had taken her in fact Harriet Fitzpatrick had written to her aunt Mrs Weston to tell her that Sofia was in London staying with Lady belliston as soon as she received the letter Mrs Weston told her brother where to find his lost sheep he immediately sent word to Mr allworthy and Mr blifil told his servants to get the horses ready and set off for London taking Mr Supple the priest with him Fortune seemed determined to be Tom's enemy he now had two Rivals and once again he had lost his dear sopia Tom now tried to avoid lady belliston but letters from her were delivered every hour when his friend Nightingale saw how worried Tom was he wanted to help him dear Tom said Nightingale are you troubled by the queen of the fairies oh please don't be angry with me for mentioning what the whole town knows are you in love with her Tom sighed and said no my friend but I owe so much to her that I don't know how to end our Affair you are not the first young man she has captured like this said Nightingale so you needn't worry about her reputation but as you are a man of Honor let me tell you a way propose marriage to her marriage cried Tom yes marriage answered Nightingale she will refuse Nightingale persuaded Tom that there was no danger that the lady would accept his proposal so he wrote her a Charming letter he soon received a short answer sir I see your purpose you wish wish me to put my whole fortune in your power do you imagine that I am a fool if you come to my house again I shall not be at home well said Nightingale you now have your freedom Tom could not thank him enough chapter 20 a kidnapping is planned Mr Weston took Sophia to his lodgings in Picadilly and once again asked her to agree to marry Mr bfl when she refused he locked her in her room and put the key in his own pocket he swore he would not let her out until she promised to marry BFFL Lord felar sent an apology to Mr Weston and asked for permission to visit his daughter as a lover the messenger took the opportunity to tell Mr Weston about his Lord's great position and Fortune to this Weston said look sir my daughter's marriage is already arranged but if it was not I would never marry her to a lord I hate all Lords and will have nothing to do with them he then kicked the man out with shouts and curses in her prison room above Sofia also began to kick and Shout her father immediately ran upstairs unlocked the door and found her pale and breathless oh my dear sir she said I was so frightened by all that loud noise what happened were you hurt just a quarrel about you sofim all my misfortunes are about you come do be a good girl BFFL will be here in a day or two make me the happiest man in the world and I will make you the happiest woman you shall have the finest clothes in London the finest jewels and a carriage with six horses I promised all worthy to give you half of my property when you marry and you shall have the other half when I die you are my only joy on Earth my little Sophie Mr Weston had tears in his eyes and so did sopia do you really wish me to be happy dear father then let me marry nobody let me come home and be your Sophie again no Sophie he cried in a voice like thunder you will married bille you will have him even if you hang yourself the next morning and he marched out of the room leaving his poor terrified daughter in a flood of Tears Mr Weston had brought several servants to town with him and among them was his favorite the gamekeeper black George meals were taken regularly to Sophia's room but she ate very little so when black George asked his master if he could tempt her with a little cooked chicken Mr Weston agreed they went upstairs together Mr Weston unlocked the door and black George carried in her dinner he told Sophia that the chicken was full of eggs and left it on her table Sophia was very fond of eggs so when she was alone again she opened the chicken it was full of eggs there was also a letter which had not been put there by nature but as the result of a lucky meeting in the street between Partridge and black George that morning Sophia immediately tore open the letter and read it it told her that her Tom loved her that his arms were ready to receive her if she wanted to escape but that if she decided to make peace with her father by forgetting her lover he would understand now a new noise came from downstairs Mr Weston was arguing loudly with his sister who had just arrived how can you lock up your daughter cried Mrs Weston have I not often told you that women in a free country cannot be treated like this we are as free as men you must let me take my niece with me to my own lodgings these rooms are not fit for a woman of quality Mr Weston finally agreed he did not want his sister to change her will and leave her wealth to somebody else from her aunt's lodgings sopia managed to send a reply to Tom's letter he spent 3 hours reading and kissing it for it told him she would never marry another man it also said she had promised her aunt not to see or talk to him when blifil arrived in London Mr Weston took him straight to see Sophia to their surprise her aunt was a little cool she told them it was not polite to come so early in the day and sent them away until the afternoon actually she had another reason for delaying Bill's visit she wanted to visit lady belliston and find out more about the Lord who wanted to to marry Sofia what she heard about him from her cousin was very satisfactory indeed lady belliston now had every reason to hate Sofia and she told Mrs Weston a secret this will make you laugh she said would you believe that young Jones tried to make love to me look here is a letter he wrote me and she passed her Tom's letter with the proposal of marriage I am astonished said Mrs Weston whatever did you do with this fellow whatever I did I do not want him as a husband laughed lady belliston I tried that once and once is enough for any reasonable woman please take the letter if you think you can use it when her cousin had left with the letter lady belliston received Lord felar who was still determined to win Sophia for himself he told her about the way his messenger had been treated by Sophia's father lady belliston simply laughed she told him the father was a country fellow not worth worrying about his sister Mrs Weston would persuade him to accept the Lord's proposal the real problem was the young bastard whom sopia loved perhaps my Lord she suggested you could find some way to remove him kidnap him perhaps send him to Sea I could tell you where he lives if you wish to know chapter 21 Mr Weston sings for Joy it was now that for Fortune really deserted our hero he received an unexpected invitation from Mrs Fitzpatrick who perhaps wanted to try what lady belliston no longer wanted by now Harriet thought herself safe from her husband who had gone to look for her in bath but when she had written to tell Mrs Weston where to look for Sofia her aunt had told Mr Fitzpatrick where to look for his wife it was chance that brought Tom to harri at Fitzpatrick's door just as her husband appeared on the scene it was jealousy that persuaded Mr Fitzpatrick that Tom had been making love to his wife and it was temper that made him strike Tom on the head and pull out his sword Tom was amazed pulled out his own sword and drove half of it into the gentleman's body now it was Fitzpatrick's turn to look amazed I am a dead man he cried a gang of rough men rushed up to get hold of Tom these were Lord fma's men who had been following Tom waiting for a chance to kidnap him well Jack laughed one of them he's not going to see now he's going somewhere worse when that man dies similar jokes were made about Tom until a doctor came to look at Fitzpatrick and the police arrived to arrest Tom Tom the doctor said he believed Fitzpatrick would die so Tom was taken to a prison Partridge found him there next morning he brought the news that Fitzpatrick was dead and a letter from sofhia which black George had passed to him it said my aunt has just shown me a letter which you wrote to lady belliston I never wants to hear your name again s w Fortune now threatens to see our hero hanged in public and if our reader enjoys such scenes I think he should book a seat in the first row now this I Faithfully promise if he does not find some natural means to escape a sad end I will not help him with unnatural means you can trust me not to bring in gods or Spirits or fairies we must now returned to Mrs Miller's house where Mr allworthy had arrived with his nephew blifil Mrs Miller wanted to change Mr orw Worthy's view of Tom his adopted son she told him how Tom had given money to her cousin he always speaks lovingly of you sir she said you surprise me Madam said Mr aworthy you have not seen the side of him which shocks my nephew and myself I see only that he has enemies said Mrs Miller but what they say of him cannot be true at this moment blifil came in from the street with an excited look on his face what do you think sir he cried I'm sorry to be the one to bring such bad news Mr Jones to whom you were so very good has killed a man allworthy looked shocked he turned to Mrs and cried well madam what do you say now I say Sir that if it is true the man he killed must be at fault I never saw a man so kind and so sweet tempered as Mr Jones he was loved by everyone in this house and everyone who came near it they were interrupted by a loud knocking at the door it was Mr Weston neighbor he cried as he entered the room all this time we have been afraid of a young bastard and now there is the devil of a lord who may be a bastard too for all I care but he will never have my daughter it took some time for Mr allworthy to find out what Mr Weston meant lady belliston and Mrs Weston had been trying to persuade him not to refuse Lord f AR's offer when Mr allworthy understood the situation he instantly told Mr Weston that Sofia should never be forced to marry bfl against her will if she chose to marry the Lord he wished her every happiness in this Noble marriage she will marry bfl said Mr Weston for three reasons first is she not my child second do I not govern my own child and third am I asking her to do anything for me no it is to make her happy blifil now spoke Mr Weston is very kind to prefer me to Lord felar he said while I would never wish to win his daughter by violence perhaps her heart will be free when she hears that Mr Jones is in prison for murder what's that cried Weston murder is he a murderer and is there any chance of seeing him hanged I have never heard better news in my life to derol to L derol and he sang and danced about the room several true friends now came to visit Tom in prison first the faithful part came to tell him that Mr Fitzpatrick was still alive then Nightingale came with Mrs Miller even if the fellow dies he said you will not hang it was an accident because he attacked you first yes he did sighed Tom but I do not want to be responsible for another man's death and there is something else that makes me miserable come come Mr Jones said Mrs Miller who had heard from Partridge about Sofia's letter to Tom things will be better soon Mr BFFL has no chance with the lady Tom asked the good woman to take a letter to Sofia which she did and there were tears on Sophia's pillow that night chapter 22 the truth comes out before we return to Tom we will take one more look at sofhia her aunt could not understand why she did not want to bring honor on her family by marrying Lord felar don't you want a noble name she asked sopia did not he behaved so rudely she explained I'm almost ashamed to tell you he caught me in his arms pulled me down put his hand into my dress and kissed my breast with such violence that I have a mark there still indeed said Mrs Weston yes indeed Madam said Sophia luckily my father came in at that moment I am astonished cried her aunt it is an insult I have had love s many lovers but no man kissed more of me than my cheek oh I was crel I refused them all then dear Aunt will you not let me refuse this one Mrs Weston did agree that Sofia might be a little cool to Lord felar and Sophia hoped she could now persuade him that it was useless to pursue her but an unfortunate accident happened which made her aunt Furious again Sophia's maid saw Tom's letter and told Mrs Weston Miss Weston her aunt cried I hear you have receiv received a letter a letter from a murderer I am disgusted I shall return you to your father tomorrow morning the next time Nightingale VIs visited Tom in prison he had some bad news I have heard he said that the gang of men who saw you fight with Mr Fitzpatrick are ready to tell the judge that you hit him first then they lie exclaimed Tom why would they do that Mrs Miller then arrived to say she had delivered Tom's letter but when she returned for a reply Sophia had gone Tom said he now had no interest in life and was ready to meet God after his death his name might be cleared a guard then brought in a message from a lady who wished to see Tom his friends left and the lady was sent in Tom was astonished to see that it was Mrs Waters the reader will remember that Mrs Waters left the Inn at Upton in a carriage with Mr Fitzpatrick and his friend and traveled to Bath in their company as Mrs Fitzpatrick had run away Mr Fitzpatrick took the opportunity to examine Mrs Waters carefully and he decided to offer her the position of wife she accepted and lived with him in bath Mrs Waters had come to London with Mr Fitzpatrick without knowing the reason for his visit he had never mentioned a wife to her and he had never mentioned the name of Jones it was only when he was getting better that he told her the story of the fight she had brought some good news for Tom by an amazing chance she said I know the man you hurt Mr Jones and I promise you that he is not dying he will also tell the judge that he struck the first blow this unexpected News Made Tom very happy and he enjoyed talking with Mrs waters for a little longer and laughing about their Adventures at Upton just after Mrs Waters left Partridge came into the room with a white face he had been in the next room listening oh sir he said was that the woman you were with at Upton did you really go to bed with her oh sir may God forgive you that woman was Jenny Jones you have been to bed with your own mother Tom became a picture of Horror for a Time the two men stared wildly at each other then Tom begged Partridge to run after Mrs Waters but she had disappeared some hours later a note came from Mrs Waters it said that she had just learned who he was and she had something important to tell him as soon as she could see him again it was now that Mr allworthy began to have some unexpected visitors the first was Partridge you are a strange fellow said Mr aworthy to the school teacher why are you the servant of your own son I am not his servant sir replied Partridge nor am I his father and I wish sir that his mother were not his mother he then told told Mr allworthy the whole story Mr allworthy was as shocked as Partridge himself then Mrs Waters came hurrying into the room there sir is Janny Jones the mother of Mr Jones she will tell you that I am not his father cried Partridge he is not said Mrs Waters you will remember sir that I promised you would know one day who the baby's father was now if we may talk alone I am here to tell you Partridge left them and she began her story sir she said you will remember a young man called Summer who lived as a student in your house and died very young he was a handsome fellow and very good-natured indeed I do remember him said Mr allworthy was he the father of your son he was not sir he was the father of the child but I am not his mother and I am glad of it be careful not to lie said Mr allworthy coldly I did help when the child was born she said and I put him in your bed but the baby was your sister's child my sister Bridget he cried can it be possible have patience sir and I will tell you her sad story Mr allworthy listened with astonishment to the story of how his sister Bridget loved Summers and how they hoped to marry but were prevented by his sudden death Bridget had then asked Jenny Jones to help her have her baby in secret but why asked allworthy did she carry this secret with her out of the world I am sure she did not said Mrs Waters she knew you loved her son and always said she would tell you I must speak to her lawyer said Mr aworthy now that busy fellow Mr darling whose work took him up and down the country was in London helping Mr blifil with some business Mr allworthy sent for him at once when she saw him Mrs Waters looked surprised but she said nothing Mr darling said Mr aworthy I have just found out that Mr Jones is my own nephew indeed sir I know said Mr darling then why did you never mention it well sir as you did not mention it I thought you wished to hide it from the world I did not know cried Mr allworthy how could I by reading the letter that I brought from your sister the night she died the letter that I gave to Mr blifil Heavens said Mr aworthy I never saw that letter Mrs Waters now spoke I am surprised sir that if this gentleman knew that Mr Jones was your nephew he would want to see him hanged did you know sir that he visited Mr Fitzpatrick and offered him money to swear that Mr Jones had struck him first I did not said Mr allworthy is this true it is true sir said Mr darling Mr BFFL sent me to offer a bribe to Mr Fitzpatrick and another to the men who saw the fight I am astonished said Mr aworthy send for bthl and tell him to bring the letter which his mother wrote me on her deathbed I will see him when I return chapter 23 the story reaches its conclusion Mr allworthy now went to Mr Weston and asked to see Sophia after some moments of Silence he began to speak I am afraid Miss Weston that my family has made you most unhappy and I believe I must blame myself when your father and I agreed to your marriage to Mr blifil I did not know as much about him as I do now I wish to release you from the arrangement Sophia was more grateful than she could say I have another proposal he continued I have a young relation of very good character and I will give him the fortune I planned to give to Mr blifil would you allow my relation to visit you Sophia after a minute's silence answered I have decided to listen to No Such proposals at present sir but to return to Somerset to take care of my father then Miss Weston replied Mr aworthy my relation must continue to suffer disappointment sopia smiled can he suffer if he does not know me indeed he knows you said Mr allworthy for he is my own nephew Mr Jones can it be possible cried Sophia indeed Madam he is my own sister's son oh Miss Weston I have treated him cruy I shall never be able to reward him for his sufferings without your help will you not see him I know he has faults but I believe he has those good qualities which will make him a good husband at this point Mr Weston joined them see here he cried I have a letter from my cousin lady belliston she says that murderer Jones has got out of prison and I should lock up my daughter again neighbor you don't know what trouble daughters are Mr Weston said Mr allworthy I shall return now to see Mr Jones at my lodgings and invite you to follow it is impossible to imagine a more tender or moving scene than the meeting between uncle and nephew it is beyond my power to describe the joy that was felt on both sides after Mr allworthy had lifted Tom from his feet where he had thrown himself he held him in his arms and cried oh my child how I have been to blame for my unkind suspicions and the sufferings they have caused you I have not been punished more than I deserve said Tom Mr allworthy then told Tom all he knew about bfl and promised to give him all that he needed to make him happy I owe everything to your great goodness dear uncle said Tom but sir there is one sadness which I must confess to you I have lost my angel here the conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Weston who had heard the news from sofhia and could not wait to see Tom my my old friend he cried out I am glad to see you with all my heart all the past must be forgotten we must forgive each other I'll take you to my Sophie this moment as Tom dressed for his visit to Sophia Partridge was so full of joy that he made a dozen mistakes I always told you sir he laughed that one day you would have it in your power to make my fortune Tom happily agreed and now Tom went to Mr Weston's with his uncle he was indeed a very fine sight Sophia had also dressed carefully and looked so extremely beautiful that allworthy whispered to Weston that she was the finest sight in the world they all had tea and then the lovers were left alone it was strange that two people who had so much to say to each other when there was danger and who so wanted to rush into each other's arms when there were barriers were now quiet and still they were now safe and free to say or do what they pleased but they sat in perfect silence at last Tom said oh my Sophia you know all about me now can I ever hope for forgiveness you must forgive yourself Mr Jones she replied then will you believe that my Wicked Ways are behind me now he begged I will never marry a man whose word I cannot trust she answered could you be faithful after what I know Tom took her hand and pulled her to the mirror look there my charming Angel he cried look at that lovely face that shape those eyes and that mind that shines through those eyes there is my proof for what man who has these could be unfaithful then perhaps Mr Jones said sopia shyly we could talk about marriage say when my sopia cried Tom love is impatient perhaps in 12 months said Sofia sweetly and Tom took her her in his arms and kissed her with a passion he had never felt before at this moment Mr Weston burst into the room and with his hunting voice cried out go to boy that's it my Honeys well is it agreed will you marry tomorrow no no cried Sophia not tomorrow yes yes cried her father will you obey me then said sopia If my father wishes it yes her father called Mr allworthy Good News neighbor he shouted we'll have a wedding tomorrow and I bet you5 we will have a baby boy 9 months from tomorrow and so Rita all ended well well for our hero our heroine and their Faithful Friends and when Mr Weston became the grandfather of Two Fine babies a boy and a girl he told the world that their childish voices were sweeter to him than the music of all the hunting dogs in England