Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 1).pdf/197

 ther Reaons would never have been brought to depoe as he did, had not Mrs. Wilkins, with great Art, fihed all out of her, at her own Houe, and had he not indeed made Promies in Mr. Allworthy’s Name, that the Punihment of her Huband hould not be uch as might any wife affect his Family.

Partridge till perited in aerting his Innocence, tho’ he admitted he had made the above mentioned Confeion; which he however endeavoured to account for, by proteting that he was forced into it by the continued Importunity he ued, who vowed, that as he was ure of his Guilt, he would never leave tormenting him till he had owned it, and faithfully promied, that in uch Cae, he would never mention it to him more. Hence, he aid, he had been induced falely to confes himelf guilty, tho’ he was innocent; and that he believed he hould have confet a Murder from the ame Motive.

Mrs. Partridge could not bear this Imputation with Patience; and having no other Remedy, in the preent Place but Tears, he called forth a plentiful Aitance from them, and then addreing herelf to Mr. Allworthy, he aid, (or rather cried) ‘May