her with the same sum annually, for the more comfortable support of the infirmities of old age. He was no differently treated by her sister-in-law, had made use of her freedom some months ago, and gone to town, where she was lodging with Miss Williams, in expectation of my Having rode all night, I found myself at arrival; and had been pestered with the Canterbury in the morning, where I alighted addresses of Lord Quiverwit, who, finding to procure fresh horses; and, as I walked her heart engaged, had fallen upon a great into the inn, perceived an apothecary's shop many shifts to persuade her that I was dead; on the other side of the street, with the but finding all his artifices unsuccessful, and name of Morgan over the door. Alarmed despairing of gaining her affection, he had at this discovery, I could not help thinking consoled himself for her indifference by that my old messmate had settled in this marrying another lady some weeks ago, who place; and, upon inquiry, found my conjechad already left him on account of some ture true, and that he was married lately family uneasiness. Besides this interesting to a widow in that city, by whom he had information, she told me, that there was not got three thousand pounds. Rejoiced at a great deal of harmony between Melinda this intelligence, I went to his shop as soon and the squire, who was so much disgusted as it was open, and found my friend beat the number of gallants who continued to hind the counter, busy in preparing a glyshover about her even after marriage, that he ter. I saluted him at entrance withhad hurried her down into the country much" Your servant, Mr Morgan." Upon which against her own inclination, where their mu- he looked at me, and replying, "Your tual animosities had arisen to such a height, most humble servant, goot sir," rubbed his that they preserved no decency before com- ingredients in the mortar, without any emopany or servants, but abused one another in tion. "What!" said I, " Morgan, have the grossest terms. you forgot your old messmate ?" At these This good old gentlewoman, to give me a words, he looked up again, and starting, convincing proof of my dear Narcissa's un- cried,-" As Cot is my-sure it cannotalterable love, gratified me with a sight of yes, by my salfation, I pelieve it is my the last letter she had favoured her with, in dear friend Mr Rantom." which I was mentioned with so much honour, sooner convinced of my identity, than he tenderness and concern, that my soul was threw down the pestle, overset the morfired with impatience, and I determined to tar, and, jumping over the board, swept up ride all night, that I might have it the sooner the contents with his clothes, flew about in my power to make her happy. Mrs my neck, hugged me affectionately, and Sagely perceiving my eagerness, and her daubed me all over with turpentine and maternal affection being equally divided be- the yolk of eggs, which he had been mixtween Narcissa and me, begged leave to ing when I came in. Our mutual conremind me of the sentiments with which I gratulations being over, he told me, that went abroad, that would not permit me for he found himself a widower upon his reany selfish gratification to prejudice the for- turn from the West Indies that he had tune of that amiable young lady, who must got interest to be appointed surgeon of a entirely depend upon me, after having be- man of war, in which capacity he had stowed herself in marriage. I thanked her served some years, until he married an apofor her kind concern, and as briefly as thecary's widow, with whom he now enpossible described my flourishing situation,joyed a pretty good sum of money, peace which afforded this humane person infinite and quiet, and an indifferent good trade. wonder and satisfaction. I told her, that, He was very desirous of hearing my adnow I had an opportunity to manifest my ventures, which I assured him I had not gratitude for the obligations I owed, I would time to relate, but told him in general, my endeavour to make her old age comfortable circumstances were very good, and that I and easy; as a step to which, I proposed she hoped to see him when I should not be should come and live with Narcissa and me. in such a hurry as at present. He insistThis venerable gentlewoman was so much ed, however, on my staying breakfast, and affected with my words, that the tears ran introduced me to his wife, who seemed to down her ancient cheeks; she thanked hea- be a decent, sensible woman, pretty well ven that I had not belied the presages she stricken in years. In the course of our had made on her first acquaintance with me; conversation, he showed the sleeve buttons acknowledging my generosity, as she called I had exchanged with him at our parting it, in the most elegant and pathetic express- in the West Indies, and was not a little ions; but declined my proposal, on account proud to see that I had preserved his with of her attachment to the dear melancholy the same care. When I informed him of cottage where she had so peacefully con- Mackshane's condition, he seemed at first sumed her solitary widowhood. Finding her to exult over his distress, but, after a little immovable on this subject, I insisted on her recollection, said,-" well, he has paid for accepting a present of thirty guineas, and his malice; I forgife him, and may Cot fortook my leave, resolving to accommodate gife him likewise." He expressed great Having renewed our protestations of friendship, I bade the honest Welchman and his spouse farewell, and taking post horses, arrived at London that same night, where I found my father in good health, to whom I imparted what I had learned of Narcissa. This indulgent parent approved of my intention of marrying her, even without a fortune, provided her brother's consent could not be obtained; promised to make over to me in a few days a sufficiency to maintain her in a fashionable manner; and expressed a desire of seeing this amiable creature, who had captivated me so much. concern for the soul of Captain Oakum, | unutterable rapture possessed us both, while which he believed was now gnashing its we flew into each other's arms! This was teeth; but it was some time before I could no time for speech,-locked in a mutual convince him of Thomson's being alive, at embrace, we continued some minutes in a whose good fortune, nevertheless, he was silent trance of joy.-When I thus encircled extremely glad. all that my soul held dear,-while I hung over her beauties,-beheld her eyes sparkle, and every feature flush with virtuous fondness; when I saw her enchanting bosom heave with undissembled rapture, and knew myself the happy cause-Heavens! what was my situation! I am tempted to commit my paper to the flames, and to renounce my pen for ever, because its most ardent and lucky expression so poorly describes the emotions of my soul. "O adorable Narcissa!" cried I, "O miracle of beauty, love, and truth! I at last fold thee in my arms! I at last can call thee mine! No jealous brother shall thwart our happiness again; fortune hath at length recompensed me for all my sufferings, and enabled me to do justice to my love.' The dear creature smiled ineffably charming, and, with a look of bewitching tenderness, said,-" And shall we never part again?" "Never!" I replied, thou wondrous pattern of all earthly perfection! never, until death shall divide us! By this ambrosial kiss, a thousand times more fragrant than the breeze that sweeps the orange grove, I never more will leave thee." As I had not slept the night before, and was besides fatigued with my journey, I found myself under a necessity of taking some repose, and went to bed accordingly; next morning, about ten o'clock, I took a chair, and, according to Mrs Sagely's directions, went to my charmer's lodgings, and inquired for Miss Williams. I had not waited in the parlour longer than a minute, when this young woman entered, and no sooner perceived me, than she shrieked and ran backward; but I got between her and the door, and, clasping her in my arms, brought As my first transport abated, my passion her to herself with an embrace. "Good grew turbulent and unruly. I was giddy heaven" cried she, "Mr Random, is it you with standing on the brink of bliss, and all indeed! my mistress will run distracted with my virtue and philosophy were scarce suffijoy." I told her, it was from an apprehen- cient to restrain the inordinate sallies of desion that my sudden appearance might have sire. Narcissa perceived the conflict within some bad effect on my dear Narcissa, that I me, and, with her usual dignity of prudence, had desired to see her first, in order to con- called off my imagination from the object in cert some method of acquainting her mis- view, and, with eager expressions of intertress gradually with my arrival. She ested curiosity, desired to know the particuapproved of my conduct, and, after having lars of my voyage. In this I gratified her yielded to the suggestions of her own friend- inclination, bringing my story down to the ship, in asking if my voyage had been suc- present hour. She was infinitely surprised cessful, charged herself with that office, and at the circumstance of my finding my father, left me glowing with desire of seeing and which brought tears into her lovely eyes. embracing the object of my love. In a very She was transported at hearing that he aplittle time I heard somebody coming down proved my flame, discovered a longing desire stairs in haste, and the voice of my angel of being introduced to him, congratulated pronounce, with an eager tone,-"O hea- herself and me upon my good fortune, and ven is it possible! where is he?" How observed that this great and unexpected were my faculties aroused at this well-known stroke of fate seemed to have been brought sound! and how was my soul transported, about by the immediate direction of Proviwhen she broke in upon my view, in all the dence. Having entertained ourselves some bloom of ripened beauty! Grace was in all hours with the genuine effusions of our souls, her steps, heaven in her eye, in every ges- I obtained her consent to complete my hap ture dignity and love!-You whose souls piness as soon as my father should judge it are susceptible of the most delicate impress-proper, and applying with my own hands a ions, whose tender bosoms have felt the affecting vicissitudes of love, who have suffered an absence of eighteen long months from the dear object of your hope, and found at your return the melting fair, as kind and as constant as your heart could wish, do me justice on this occasion, and conceive what valuable necklace, composed of diamonds and amethysts set alternately, which an old Spanish lady at Paraguay had presented me with, I took my leave, promising to return in the afternoon with Don Rodrigo. When I went home, this generous parent inquired very affectionately about the health of my 206 dear Narcissa, to whom that I might be the | esteem, which I the more freely receive, be more agreeable, he put into my hand a deed, CHAPTER LXVIII. My father makes a present to Narcissa- AFTER having spent the evening to the satis- cause I already look upon Mr Random's interest as inseparably connected with mine." He was extremely well pleased with her frank and ingenuous reply; upon which we saluted, and wished her good night. The letter, at my request, was dispatched to Sussex by an express, and in the mean time, Don Rodrigo, to grace my nuptials, hired a ready furnished house, and set up a very handsome equipage. Though I passed the greatest part of the day with the darling of my soul, I found leimagsure sometimes to be among my former acBanter, in quaintance, who were astonished at the nificence of my appearance. particular, was confounded at the strange vicissitudes of my fortune, the causes of which he endeavoured in vain to discover, until I thought fit to disclose the whole secret of my last voyage, partly in consideration of our former intimacy, and partly to prevent unfavourable conjectures, which he and others, in all probability, would have made in regard to my circumstances. He professed great satisfaction at this piece of news, and I had no cause to believe him insincere, when I considered that he would now look upon himself as acquitted of the debt he owed me, and at the same time flatter himself with hopes of borrowing more. I carried him home to dinner with me, and my father liked his conversation so much, that, upon hearing his difficulties, he desired me to accommodate him for the present, and inquire if he would accept of a commission in the army, towards the purchase of which he would willingly lend him money. Accordingly, I gave my friend an opportunity of being alone with me, when, as I expected, he told me that he was just on the point of being reconciled to an old rich uncle, whose heir he was, but wanted a few pieces for immediate expense, which he desired I would lend him, and take his bond for the whole. His demand was limited to ten guineas; and when I put twenty into his hand, he stared at me for some moments; then putting it into his purse, said,-"Ay, 'tis all one,—you shall have the whole in a very short time." When I had taken his note, to save the expense of a bond, I expressed some surprise that a fellow of his spirit should loiter away his time in idleness, and asked why he did not choose to make his fortune in the army. "What!" said he, "throw away my money upon a subaltern's commission, to be under the command of a parcel of scoundrels, who have raised themselves above me by the most infamous practices! no, I love independency too well to sacrifice my life, health, and pleasure, for such a pitiful consideration." Finding him averse to this way of life, I changed the subject, and returned to Don Rodrigo, who had just received the following epistle from the squire. "SIR, 66 Concerning a letter which I received, subscribed R. Random, this is the answer. As for you, I know nothing of you. Your son, or pretended son, I have seen;if he marries my sister, at his peril be it; I do declare that he shall not have one farthing of her fortune, which becomes my property, if she takes a husband without my consent. Your settlement I do believe is all a sham, and yourself no better than you should be; but if you had all the wealth of the Indies, your son shall never match in our family with the consent of "ORSON TOPEHALL." courteous behaviour, and insisted upon giving her away at the ceremony, swearing that he loved her as well as if she was his own child, and that he would give two thousand guineas to the first fruit of our love as soon as it could squeak. Every thing being prepared for the solemnization of our nuptials, which were to be performed privately at my father's house, the auspicious hour arrived, when Don Rodrigo and my uncle went in the coach to fetch the bride and Miss Williams; leaving me with a parson, Banter, and Strap, neither of whom had as yet seen my charming mistress. My faithful valet, who was on the rack of impatience to behold a lady of whom he had heard so much, no sooner than he placed himself at a window to have a peep at her as she alighted; and when he saw her, clapped his hands together, turned up the white of his eyes, and, with his mouth wide open, remained in a sort of ecstasy, which broke out into,-" O dea certe! qualis in Eurote ripis, aut per juga Cynthi exercet Diana chorus!" The doctor and Banter were surprised to hear my man speak Latin; but when my father led Narcissa into the room, the object of their admiration was soon changed, as appeared in the countenances of both. Indeed, they must have been the most insensible of beings, could they have beheld, without emotion, the divine creature that approached. She was dressed in a sack of white satin, embroidered on the breast with gold; the crown of her head was covered with a small French cap, from whence descended her beautiful hair in ringlets that waved upon her snowy neck, which dignified the necklace I had given her; her looks glowed with modesty and love; and her bosom, through the veil of gauze that shaded My father was not much surprised at this polite letter, after having heard the charac-understood that the coach was returned, ter of the author; and as for me, I was even pleased at his refusal, because I now had an opportunity of showing my disinterested love. By his permission I waited on my charmer; and, having imparted the contents of her brother's letter, at which she wept bitterly, in spite of all my consolation and caresses, the time of our marriage was fixed at the distance of two days. During this interval, in which my soul was wound up to the last stretch of rapturous expectation, Narcissa endeavoured to reconcile some of her relations in town to her marriage with me; but, finding them all deaf to her remonstrances, either out of envy or prejudice, she told me, with the most enchanting sweetness, while the tears bedewed her lovely cheeks," sure the world will no longer question your generosity, when you take a poor forlorn beggar to your arms. Affected with her sorrow, I pressed the fair mourner to my breast, and swore that she was more dear and welcome on that account, because she had sacrificed her friends and fortune to her love for me. My uncle, for whose cha-it, afforded a prospect of Elysium. I reracter she had a great veneration, being by this time come to town, I introduced him to my bride; and although he was not very much subject to refined sensations, he was struck dumb with admiration at her beauty. After having kissed and gazed at her for some time, he turned to me, saying,-" Odds bobs, Rory! here's a notable prize indeed, finely built and gloriously rigged, i'faith! if she an't weil manned when you have the command of her, sirrah, you deserve to go to sea in a cockle shell. No offence, I hope, niece; you must not mind what I say, being (as the saying is) a plain seafaring man, thof mayhap I have as much regard for you as another." She received him with great civility, told him she had longed a great while to see a person to whom she was so much indebted for his generosity to Mr Random; that she looked upon him as her uncle, by which name she begged leave to call him for the future; and that she was very sure he could say nothing that would give her the least offence. The honest captain was transported at her ceived this inestimable gift of Providence as became me; and in a little time the clergyman did his office, my uncle, at his own earnest request, acting the part of a father to my dear Narcissa, who trembled very much, and had scarce spirits sufficient to support her under this great change of situation. Soon as she was mine by the laws of heaven and earth, I printed a burning kiss upon her lips, my father embraced her tenderly, my uncle hugged her with great affection, and I presented her to my friend Banter, who saInted her in a very polite manner; Miss Williams hung round her neck and wept plentifully; while Strap fell upon his knees, and begged to kiss his lady's hand, which she presented with great affability. I shall not pretend to describe my own feelings at this juncture; let it suffice to say, that, after having supped and entertained ourselves till ten o'clock, I cautioned my Narcissa against exposing her health by sitting up too late, and she was prevailed upon to withdraw with her maid to an apartment destined for us. When she left the room, her face was overspread | surprised at seeing us. I was pleased at with a blush that set all my blood in a state of fermentation, and made every pulse beat with tenfold vigour. She was so cruel as to let me remain in this condition a full half hour; when, no longer able to restrain my impatience, I broke from the company, burst into her chamber, pushed out her confidante, locked the door, and found her-O heaven and earth!—a feast, a thousand times more delicious than my most sanguine hope presaged! -but let me not profane the chaste mysteries of Hymen. I was the happiest of men ! this opportunity of confronting them; the The our acquaintance was courted as much as it had been despised before. But Narcissa had too much dignity of pride to encourage this change of conduct, especially in her relations, whom she could never be prevailed upon to see, after the malicious reports they had raised to her prejudice. CHAPTER LXIX. In the morning I was waked by three or four drums, which Banter had placed under the window; upon which I withdrew the curtain, and enjoyed the unspeakable satisfaction of contemplating those angelic charms, which were now in my possession! Beauty! which, whether sleeping or awake, shot forth peculiar graces! The light dart-pendent, than the tables were turned, and ing upon my Narcissa's eyes, she awoke also, and, recollecting her situation, hid her blushes in my bosom. I was distracted with joy. I could not believe the evidence of my senses, and looked upon all that had happened as the fictions of a dream. In the meantime my uncle knocked at the door, and bade me turn out, for I had had a long spell. I rose accordingly, and sent Miss Williams to her mistress, myself receiving the congratulations of Captain Bowling, who rallied me in his sea-phrase with great success. In less than an hour, Don Rodrigo led my wife in to breakfast, where she received the compliments of the company on her looks, which, they said, if possible, were improved by matrimony. As her delicate ears were of fended with none of those indecent ambiguities which are too often spoke on such occasions, she behaved with dignity, unaffected modesty, and ease; and, as a testimony of my affection and esteem, I presented her, in presence of them all, with a deed, by which I settled the whole fortune I was possessed of on her and her heirs for ever. She accepted it with a glance of the most tender acknowledgement, observed that she could not be surprised at any thing of this kind I should do, and desired my father to take the trouble of keeping it, saying," Next to my own Mr Random, you are the person in whom I ought to have the greatest confidence." Charmed with her prudent and ingenuous manner of proceeding, he took the paper, and assured her that it should not lose its value while in his custody. As we had not many visits to give and receive, the little time we staid in town was spent in going to public diversions, where I have the vanity to think Narcissa seldom was eclipsed. One night, in particular, we had sent our footman to keep one of the stage boxes, which we no sooner entered, than we perceived in the opposite box the squire and his lady, who seemed not a little My father intends to revisit the place of his nativity-we propose to accompany him--my uncle renews his will in my favour, determining to go to sea again—we set out for Scotland-arrive at Edinburgh-purchase our paternal estate— proceed to it-halt at the town where I was educated-take up my bond to Crab -the behaviour of Potion and his wife, and one of my female cousins--our reception at the estate-Strap marries Miss Williams, and is settled by my father to his own satisfaction-I am more and more happy. My father intending to revisit his native country, and pay the tribute of a few tears at my mother's grave, Narcissa and I resolved to accompany him in the execution of his pious office, and accordingly prepared for the journey; in which, however, my uncle would not engage, being resolved to try his fortune once more at sea. In the mean time, he renewed his will in favour of my wife and me, and deposited it in the hands of his brother-in-law; while I (that I might not be wanting to my own interest) summoned the squire to produce his father's will at doctor's commons, and employed a proctor to manage the affair in my absence. Every thing being thus settled, we took leave of all our friends in London, and set out for Scotland, Don Rodrigo, Narcissa, Miss Williams and I, in the coach, and |