 did he omit the Dreams he had dreamt
the Evening before his meeting with Jones; and concluded with saying, »I always
told your Honour something boded in my Mind, that you would one Time or other
have it in your Power to make my Fortune.« Jones assured him, that this Boding
should as certainly be verified with regard to him, as all the other Omens had
been to himself; which did not a little add to all the Raptures which the poor
Fellow had already conceived on account of his Master.
 

                                  Chapter XII

                      Approaching still nearer to the End.
 
Jones being now completely dressed, attended his Uncle to Mr. Western's. He was
indeed one of the finest Figures ever beheld, and his Person alone would have
charmed the greater Part of Womankind; but we hope it hath already appeared in
this History, that Nature, when she formed him, did not totally rely, as she
sometimes doth, on this Merit only, to recommend her Work.
    Sophia, who, angry as she was, was likewise set forth to the best Advantage,
for which I leave my female Readers to account, appeared so extremely beautiful,
that even Allworthy, when he saw her, could not forbear whispering Western, that
he believed she was the finest Creature in the World. To which Western answered,
in a Whisper overheard by all present, »So much the better for Tom; - for d-n me
if he shan't ha the tousling her.« Sophia was all over Scarlet at these Words,
while Tom's Countenance was altogether as pale, and he was almost ready to sink
from his Chair.
    The Tea-table was scarce removed, before Western lugged Allworthy out of the
Room, telling him, »He had Business of Consequence to impart, and must speak to
him that Instant in private before he forgot it.«
    The Lovers were now alone, and it will, I question not, appear strange to
many Readers, that those who had so much to say to one another when Danger and
Difficulty attended their Conversation, and who seemed so eager to rush into
each others Arms when so many Bars lay in their Way, now that with Safety they
were at Liberty to say or do whatever they pleased, should both remain for some
Time silent and motionless; insomuch, that a Stranger of moderate Sagacity might
have well concluded they were mutually indifferent: But so it was, however
strange it may seem; both sat with their Eyes cast downwards on the Ground, and
for some Minutes continued in perfect Silence.
    Mr. Jones, during this
