Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 2).pdf/78

 Leon. Howbeit, nevertheles, after Prayer was over, and I was departed home, this occaioned a Battle in the Church-yard, where, amongt other Michief, the Head of a travelling Fidler was very much braken. This Morning the Fidler came to Squire Allworthy for a Warrant, and the Wench was brought before him. The Squire was inclined to have compounded Matters; when, lo! on a udden, the Wench appeared (I ak your Ladyhip Pardon) to be, as it were at the Eve of bringing forth a Batard. The Squire demanded of her who was the Father; but he pertinaciouly refued to make any Repone. So that he was about to make her Mittimus to Bridewel, when I departed.’

‘And is a Wench having a Batard all your news, Doctor?’ cries Wetern. ‘I thought it might have been ome public Matter, omething about the Nation.’

‘I am afraid it is too common, indeed,’ anwered the Paron, ‘but I thought the whole Story all together deerved commemorating. As to National Matters, your Worhip knows them bet. My