Chapter 35.00: Chapter iii. — Wherein the history goes back to commemorate a trifling incident that happened some years since; but which, trifling as it was, had some future consequences.

**
Chapter iii. — Wherein the history goes back to commemorate a
trifling incident that happened some years since; but which, trifling as
it was, had some future consequences.
**

The amiable Sophia was now in her eighteenth year, when she is introduced
into this history. Her father, as hath been said, was fonder of her than
of any other human creature. To her, therefore, Tom Jones applied, in
order to engage her interest on the behalf of his friend the gamekeeper.

But before we proceed to this business, a short recapitulation of some
previous matters may be necessary.

Though the different tempers of Mr Allworthy and of Mr Western did not
admit of a very intimate correspondence, yet they lived upon what is
called a decent footing together; by which means the young people of both
families had been acquainted from their infancy; and as they were all near
of the same age, had been frequent playmates together.

The gaiety of Tom's temper suited better with Sophia, than the grave and
sober disposition of Master Blifil. And the preference which she gave the
former of these, would often appear so plainly, that a lad of a more
passionate turn than Master Blifil was, might have shown some displeasure
at it.

As he did not, however, outwardly express any such disgust, it would be an
ill office in us to pay a visit to the inmost recesses of his mind, as
some scandalous people search into the most secret affairs of their
friends, and often pry into their closets and cupboards, only to discover
their poverty and meanness to the world.

However, as persons who suspect they have given others cause of offence,
are apt to conclude they are offended; so Sophia imputed an action of
Master Blifil to his anger, which the superior sagacity of Thwackum and
Square discerned to have arisen from a much better principle.

Tom Jones, when very young, had presented Sophia with a little bird, which
he had taken from the nest, had nursed up, and taught to sing.

Of this bird, Sophia, then about thirteen years old, was so extremely
fond, that her chief business was to feed and tend it, and her chief
pleasure to play with it. By these means little Tommy, for so the bird was
called, was become so tame, that it would feed out of the hand of its
mistress, would perch upon the finger, and lie contented in her bosom,
where it seemed almost sensible of its own happiness; though she always
kept a small string about its leg, nor would ever trust it with the
liberty of flying away.

One day, when Mr Allworthy and his whole family dined at Mr Western's,
Master Blifil, being in the garden with little Sophia, and observing the
extreme fondness that she showed for her little bird, desired her to trust
it for a moment in his hands. Sophia presently complied with the young
gentleman's request, and after some previous caution, delivered him her
bird; of which he was no sooner in possession, than he slipt the string
from its leg and tossed it into the air.

The foolish animal no sooner perceived itself at liberty, than forgetting
all the favours it had received from Sophia, it flew directly from her,
and perched on a bough at some distance.

Sophia, seeing her bird gone, screamed out so loud, that Tom Jones, who
was at a little distance, immediately ran to her assistance.

He was no sooner informed of what had happened, than he cursed Blifil for
a pitiful malicious rascal; and then immediately stripping off his coat he
applied himself to climbing the tree to which the bird escaped.

Tom had almost recovered his little namesake, when the branch on which it
was perched, and that hung over a canal, broke, and the poor lad plumped
over head and ears into the water.

Sophia‘s concern now changed its object. And as she apprehended the boy’s
life was in danger, she screamed ten times louder than before; and indeed
Master Blifil himself now seconded her with all the vociferation in his
power.

The company, who were sitting in a room next the garden, were instantly
alarmed, and came all forth; but just as they reached the canal, Tom (for
the water was luckily pretty shallow in that part) arrived safely on
shore.

Thwackum fell violently on poor Tom, who stood dropping and shivering
before him, when Mr Allworthy desired him to have patience; and turning to
Master Blifil, said, “Pray, child, what is the reason of all this
disturbance?”

Master Blifil answered, “Indeed, uncle, I am very sorry for what I
have done; I have been unhappily the occasion of it all. I had Miss
Sophia's bird in my hand, and thinking the poor creature languished for
liberty, I own I could not forbear giving it what it desired; for I always
thought there was something very cruel in confining anything. It seemed to
be against the law of nature, by which everything hath a right to liberty;
nay, it is even unchristian, for it is not doing what we would be done by;
but if I had imagined Miss Sophia would have been so much concerned at it,
I am sure I never would have done it; nay, if I had known what would have
happened to the bird itself: for when Master Jones, who climbed up that
tree after it, fell into the water, the bird took a second flight, and
presently a nasty hawk carried it away.”

Poor Sophia, who now first heard of her little Tommy's fate (for her
concern for Jones had prevented her perceiving it when it happened), shed
a shower of tears. These Mr Allworthy endeavoured to assuage, promising
her a much finer bird: but she declared she would never have another. Her
father chid her for crying so for a foolish bird; but could not help
telling young Blifil, if he was a son of his, his backside should be well
flead.

Sophia now returned to her chamber, the two young gentlemen were sent
home, and the rest of the company returned to their bottle; where a
conversation ensued on the subject of the bird, so curious, that we think
it deserves a chapter by itself.