Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 1).pdf/203

 there is a Poibility that the Schoolmater was entirely innocent: For tho’ it appeared clear, on comparing the Time when Jenny departed from Little Baddington, with that of her Delivery, that he had there conceived this Infant, yet it by no means followed, of Neceity, that Partridge mut have been its Father: For, to omit other Particulars, there was in the ame Houe a Lad near Eighteen, between whom, and Jenny, there had ubited ufficient Intimacy to found a reaonable Supicion; and yet, o blind is Jealouy, this Circumtance never once entered into the Head of the enraged Wife.

Whether Partridge repented or not, according to Mr. Allworthy’s Advice, is not o apparent. Certain it is, that his Wife repented heartily of the Evidence he had given againt him; epecially when he found Mrs. Deborah had deceived her, and refued to make any Application to Mr. Allworthy on her Behalf. She had, however, omewhat better Succes with Mrs. Blifil, who was, as the Reader mut have perceived, a much better-tempered Woman; and very kindly undertook to olicit her Brother to retore the Annuity. In which, tho’ Good-nature might have ome Share, yet a