Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 1).pdf/162

 of a fine Boy. The Child, was indeed, to all Appearance, perfect; but the Midwife dicovered, it was born a Month before its full Time.

Tho’ the Birth of an Heir of his beloved Siter was a Circumtance of great Joy to Mr. Allworthy, yet it did not alienate his Affections from the little Foundling, to whom he had been Godfather, had given his own Name of Thomas, and whom he had hitherto eldom failed of viiting at leat once a Day, in his Nurery.

He told his Siter, if he pleaed, the new-born Infant hould be bred up together with little Tommy, to which he conented, tho’ with ome little Reluctance: For he had truly a great Complacence for her Brother; and hence he had always behaved towards the Foundling with rather more Kindnes than Ladies of rigid Virtue can ometimes bring themelves to hew to thee Children, who, however innocent, may be truly called the living Monuments of Incontinence.

The Captain could not o eaily bring himelf to bear what he condemned as a Fault in Mr. Allworthy. He gave him fre-