Chapter iii.

Wherein the history goes back to commemorate a trifling incident that

happened some years since; but which, trifling as it was, had some

future consequences.

The amiable Sophia was now in her eighteenth year, when she is

introduced into this history. Her father, as hath been said, was

fonder of her than of any other human creature. To her, therefore, Tom

Jones applied, in order to engage her interest on the behalf of his

friend the gamekeeper.

But before we proceed to this business, a short recapitulation of some

previous matters may be necessary.

Though the different tempers of Mr Allworthy and of Mr Western did not

admit of a very intimate correspondence, yet they lived upon what is

called a decent footing together; by which means the young people of

both families had been acquainted from their infancy; and as they were

all near of the same age, had been frequent playmates together.

The gaiety of Tom's temper suited better with Sophia, than the grave

and sober disposition of Master Blifil. And the preference which she

gave the former of these, would often appear so plainly, that a lad of

a more passionate turn than Master Blifil was, might have shown some

displeasure at it.

As he did not, however, outwardly express any such disgust, it would

be an ill office in us to pay a visit to the inmost recesses of his

mind, as some scandalous people search into the most secret affairs of

their friends, and often pry into their closets and cupboards, only to

discover their poverty and meanness to the world.

However, as persons who suspect they have given others cause of

offence, are apt to conclude they are offended; so Sophia imputed an

action of Master Blifil to his anger, which the superior sagacity of

Thwackum and Square discerned to have arisen from a much better

principle.

Tom Jones, when very young, had presented Sophia with a little bird,

which he had taken from the nest, had nursed up, and taught to sing.

Of this bird, Sophia, then about thirteen years old, was so extremely

fond, that her chief business was to feed and tend it, and her chief

pleasure to play with it. By these means little Tommy, for so the bird

was called, was become so tame, that it would feed out of the hand of

its mistress, would perch upon the finger, and lie contented in her

bosom, where it seemed almost sensible of its own happiness; though

she always kept a small string about its leg, nor would ever trust it

with the liberty of flying away.

One day, when Mr Allworthy and his whole family dined at Mr Western's,

Master Blifil, being in the garden with little Sophia, and observing

the extreme fondness that she showed for her little bird, desired her

to trust it for a moment in his hands. Sophia presently complied with

the young gentleman's request, and after some previous caution,

delivered him her bird; of which he was no sooner in possession, than

he slipt the string from its leg and tossed it into the air.

The foolish animal no sooner perceived itself at liberty, than

forgetting all the favours it had received from Sophia, it flew

directly from her, and perched on a bough at some distance.

Sophia, seeing her bird gone, screamed out so loud, that Tom Jones,

who was at a little distance, immediately ran to her assistance.

He was no sooner informed of what had happened, than he cursed Blifil

for a pitiful malicious rascal; and then immediately stripping off his

coat he applied himself to climbing the tree to which the bird

escaped.

Tom had almost recovered his little namesake, when the branch on which

it was perched, and that hung over a canal, broke, and the poor lad

plumped over head and ears into the water.

Sophia's concern now changed its object. And as she apprehended the

boy's life was in danger, she screamed ten times louder than before;

and indeed Master Blifil himself now seconded her with all the

vociferation in his power.

The company, who were sitting in a room next the garden, were

instantly alarmed, and came all forth; but just as they reached the

canal, Tom (for the water was luckily pretty shallow in that part)

arrived safely on shore.

Thwackum fell violently on poor Tom, who stood dropping and shivering

before him, when Mr Allworthy desired him to have patience; and

turning to Master Blifil, said, “Pray, child, what is the reason of

all this disturbance?”

Master Blifil answered, “Indeed, uncle, I am very sorry for what I

have done; I have been unhappily the occasion of it all. I had Miss

Sophia's bird in my hand, and thinking the poor creature languished

for liberty, I own I could not forbear giving it what it desired; for

I always thought there was something very cruel in confining anything.

It seemed to be against the law of nature, by which everything hath a

right to liberty; nay, it is even unchristian, for it is not doing

what we would be done by; but if I had imagined Miss Sophia would have

been so much concerned at it, I am sure I never would have done it;

nay, if I had known what would have happened to the bird itself: for

when Master Jones, who climbed up that tree after it, fell into the

water, the bird took a second flight, and presently a nasty hawk

carried it away.”

Poor Sophia, who now first heard of her little Tommy's fate (for her

concern for Jones had prevented her perceiving it when it happened),

shed a shower of tears. These Mr Allworthy endeavoured to assuage,

promising her a much finer bird: but she declared she would never have

another. Her father chid her for crying so for a foolish bird; but

could not help telling young Blifil, if he was a son of his, his

backside should be well flead.

Sophia now returned to her chamber, the two young gentlemen were sent

home, and the rest of the company returned to their bottle; where a

conversation ensued on the subject of the bird, so curious, that we

think it deserves a chapter by itself.