The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

The narrator complains that he wearies of writing these prefatory chapters and thinks they serve little purpose other than to let critics whet their knives.

Squire Western takes Sophia to his lodgings and locks her in her room. An army captain visits on behalf of Lord Fellamar, who requests permission to court Sophia. The Squire refuses, insisting that she marry Blifil.

Black George delivers a meal to Sophia, and she finds a letter from Tom inside her dish. Tom writes that he is distressed to learn of her captivity. He entreats her to run away with him, but says if she chooses not to, he wishes her only happiness.