The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

The next morning, Mr. Allworthy goes to visit with Mr. Nightingale the elder. He is surprised to see Black George there, trying to negotiate a real estate deal with some money he’s saved. He leaves before seeing Mr. Allworthy. Mr. Nightingale the elder shows Mr. Allworthy Black George’s payment of 500 pounds. Allworthy recognizes the bills as the very same ones he gave to Tom that Black George stole long ago. Allworthy tells Mr. Nightingale the elder to hold on to Black George’s money and keep this all hushed up for the moment.

Allworthy goes to Mrs. Miller and says he thinks he’s discovered a considerable sum of money that belongs to Tom. He realizes Tom might not even need the money, given his current legal troubles, but he hopes things work out with Tom, whom in spite of everything he still loves. Dowling arrives and Allworthy asks how Black George might be punished for theft. Dowling outlines the process, then talks about how Mr. Fitzpatrick seems likely to survive and to take all blame for the duel himself. Allworthy stops feeling any anger toward Tom and instead becomes nostalgic about their past together.