A Pathetic Scene Between Mr. Allworthy and Mrs. Miller
- Mrs. Miller sits Squire Allworthy down and tells him everything she knows about Tom's adventures since leaving his house.
- She also tells Squire Allworthy about the favors Tom has done for her family.
- Squire Allworthy says that it's not impossible for bad people to do good things.
- Mrs. Miller is sure that time will prove that Tom is innocent.
- She thinks he deserves more than "some other folks that shall be nameless" (17.7.2).
- Squire Allworthy is annoyed at this reference to Mr. Blifil.
- Squire Allworthy believes that Tom has been plotting to replace Mr. Blifil in his feelings and to take over Mr. Blifil's inheritance.
- Mrs. Miller reminds Squire Allworthy of all of the times that he has spoken of Tom with love.
- Squire Allworthy seems moved, but changes the subject.
- He offers to help bring together Mr. Nightingale and his father, Nightingale Senior, who is still angry about the whole Nancy thing.
- Mrs. Miller thanks Squire Allworthy sincerely.
- Mr. Blifil comes home in the company of Mr. Dowling.
- (Remember him, the lawyer we last saw in Book 12, Chapter 9?)
- Mr. Blifil has convinced Squire Allworthy to make Mr. Dowling his steward (a steward is someone who helps to manage the estate and household of a rich or prominent person).
- Mr. Dowling is also doing some errands for Squire Western while he is in London.