Volume 9 Summary

The volume continues with Toby and Trim making their way to Widow Wadham's front door with Tristram's mother and father watching on from afar. Tristram's mother and father talk about her idea of spying on events through the keyhole. Tristram's father is not completely opposed to the idea but his philosophizing on the subject makes his wife feel like a criminal. Meanwhile, on the steps of the Widow's house, Trim, talks about his brother Tom's misfortune with his Jewish wife. Inquisitors took in his brother due to a problem about his wife, and now Trim presumes his brother is dead. Because of this event, Trim is against marriage.

Tristram then makes a digression in the story, but returns to explain his Uncle's hesitation upon entering the house. Toby tells Trim to wait while he makes up his mind. Behind the door, Bridget waits...