Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 2).pdf/131

 pher, which the Bite of his Tongue had omewhat ruffled; and as he was diabled from venting his Wrath at his Lips, he had poibly found a more violent Method of revenging himelf, had not the Surgeon, who was then luckily in the Room, contrary to his own Interet, interpoed, and preerved the Peace.

Mr. Blifil viited his Friend Jones but eldom, and never alone. This worthy young Man, however, profeed much Regard for him, and as great Concern at his Misfortune; but cautiouly avoided any Intimacy, let, as he frequently hinted, it might contaminate the Sobriety of his own Character: For which Purpoe, he had contantly in his Mouth that Proverb in which Solomon peaks againt Evil Communication. Not tha the was o bitter as Thwackum; for he always expreed ome Hopes of Tom’s Reformation; ‘which,’ he aid, ‘the unparallelled Goodnes hewn by his Uncle on this Occaion, mut certainly effect, in one not abolutely abandoned;’ but concluded, ‘if Mr. Jones ever offends hereafter, I hall not be able to ay a Syllable in his Favour.’