CHAPTER LXVII

I visit my old Friend Thompson—we set sail for Europe—meet with an odd

Adventure—arrive in England—I ride across the Country from Portsmouth

to Sussex—converse with Mrs. Sagely, who informs me of Narcissa’s being

in London—in consequence of this Intelligence, I proceed to

Canterbury—meet with my old friend Morgan—arrive in London—visit

Narcissa—introduce my Father to her—he is charmed with her good sense

and beauty—we come to a Determination of demanding her Brother’s

Consent to our Marriage

I inquired, as soon as I got ashore, about my generous companion, Mr.

Thompson, and hearing that he lived in a flourishing condition upon the

estate left him by his wife’s father, who had been dead some years, I

took horse immediately, with the consent of Don Rodrigo, who had heard

me mention him with great regard, and in a few hours reached the place

of his habitation.

I should much wrong the delicacy of Mr. Thompson’s sentiments to say

barely he was glad to see me: he felt all that the most sensible and

disinterested friendship could feel on this occasion, introduced me to

his wife, a very amiable young lady, who had already blessed him with

two fine children, and being as yet ignorant of my circumstances,

frankly offered me the assistance of his purse and interest. I thanked

him for his generous intention, and made him acquainted with my

situation, on which he congratulated me with great joy, and, after I

had stayed with him a whole day and night, accompanied me back to

Kingston, to wait upon my father, whom he invited to his house. Don

Rodrigo complied with his request, and, having been handsomely

entertained during the space of a week, returned extremely well

satisfied with the behaviour of my friend and his lady, to whom, at

parting, he presented a very valuable diamond ring, as a token of his

esteem. During the course of my conversation with Mr. Thompson, he gave

me to understand, that his old commander Captain Oakum was dead some

months, and that, immediately after his death, a discovery had been

made of some valuable effects that he had feloniously secreted out of a

prize by the assistance of Dr. Mackshane, who was now actually in

prison on that account, and, being destitute of friends, subsisted

solely on the charity of my friend, whose bounty he had implored in the

most abject manner, after having been the barbarous occasion of driving

him to that terrible extremity on board of The Thunder, which we have

formerly related. Whatsoever this wretch had been guilty of, I

applauded Mr. Thompson’s generosity towards him in his distress, which

wrought so much upon me also, that I sent him ten pistoles, in such a

private manner that he could never know his benefactor.

While my father and I were caressed among the gentlemen on shore,

Captain Bowling had written to his owners, by the packet, which sailed

a few days after our arrival, signifying his prosperous voyage

hitherto, and desiring them to insure his ship and cargo homeward

bound: after which precaution he applied himself so heartily to the

task of loading his ship that, with the assistance of Mr. Thompson, she

was full in less than six weeks. This kind gentleman likewise procured

for Don Rodrigo bills upon London for the greatest part of his gold and

silver, by which means it was secured against the risk of the seas and

the enemy; and, before we sailed, supplied us with such large

quantities of all kinds of stock, that not only we, but the ship’s

company, fared sumptuously during the voyage.

Everything being ready, we took our leave of our kind entertainers,

and, going on board at Port Royal, set sail for England on the first

day of June. We beat up to windward, with fine easy weather, and one

night believing ourselves near Cape Tiberon, lay to, with an intention

to wood and water next morning in the bay. While we remained in this

situation, a sailor, having drunk more new rum than he could carry,

staggered over board, and, notwithstanding all the means that could be

used to preserve him, went to the bottom, and disappeared. About two

hours after this melancholy accident happened, as I enjoyed the cool

air on the quarter-deck, I heard a voice rising, as it were, out of the

sea and calling, “Ho, the ship ahoy!” Upon which one of the men upon

the forecastle cried, “I’ll be d—n’d if that an’t Jack Marlinspike, who

went overboard!” Not a little surprised at this event, I jumped into

the boat that lay alongside, with the second mate and four men, and

rowing towards the place from whence the voice (which repeated the

hail) seemed to proceed, we perceived something floating upon the

water. When we had rowed a little further, we discerned it to be a man

riding upon a hencoop, who, seeing us approach, pronounced with a

hoarse voice, “D—n your bloods! why did you not answer when I hailed?”

Our mate, who was a veritable seaman, hearing his salute, said, “By G—,

my lads, this is none of our man. This is the devil—pull away for the

ship.” The fellows obeyed his command without question, and were

already some fathoms on our return, when I insisted on their taking up

the poor creature, and prevailed upon them to go back to the wreck,

which when we came near the second time, and signified our intention,

we received an answer of “Avast, avast—what ship, brother?” Being

satisfied in this particular, he cried, “D—n the ship, I was in hopes

it had been my own—where are you bound?” We satisfied his curiosity in

this particular too; upon which he suffered himself to be taken on

board, and, after having been comforted with a dram, told us, he

belonged to the Vesuvio man-of-war, upon a cruise off the island of

Hispaniola; that he had fallen overboard four-and-twenty hours ago, and

the ship being under sail, they did not choose to bring to, but tossed

a hencoop overboard for his convenience, upon which he was in good

hopes of reaching the Cape next morning: howsomever, he was as well

content to be aboard of us because he did not doubt that we should meet

his ship, and if he had gone ashore in the bay, he might have been

taken prisoner by the French. My uncle and father were very much

diverted with the account of this fellow’s unconcerned behaviour; and

in two days, meeting with the Vesuvio, as he expected, sent him on

board of her, according to his desire.

Having beat up successfully the windward passage, we stretched to the

northward, and falling in with a westerly wind, in eight weeks arrived

in the soundings, and in two days after made for the Lizard. It is

impossible to express the joy I felt at the sight of English ground!

Don Rodrigo was not unmoved, and Strap shed tears of gladness. The

sailors profited by our satisfaction, the shoe that was nailed to the

mast being quite filled with our liberality. My uncle resolved to run

up into the Downs at once, but the wind shifting when we were abreast

of the Isle of Wight, he was obliged to turn into St. Helen’s, and come

to Spithead, to the great mortification of the crew, thirty of whom

were immediately pressed on board a man-of-war.

My father and I went ashore immediately at Portsmouth, leaving Strap

with the captain to go round with the ship and take care of our

effects; and I discovered so much impatience to see my charming

Narcissa, that my father permitted me to ride across the country to her

brother’s house; while he should hire a post-chaise for London, where

he would wait for me at a place to which I directed him.

Fired with all the eagerness of passion, I took post that very night,

and in the morning reached an inn about three miles from the squire’s

habitation; here I remained till next morning, allaying the torture of

my impatience with the rapturous hope of seeing that divine creature

after an absence of eighteen months, which, far from impairing, had

raised my love to the most exalted pitch! Neither were my reflections

free from apprehensions: that something intervened in spite of all my

hope, and represented her as having yielded to the importunity of her

brother and blessed the arms of a happy rival. My thoughts were even

maddened with the fear of her death; and, when I arrived in the dark at

the house of Mrs. Sagely, I had not for some time courage to desire

admittance, lest my soul should be shocked with dismal tidings. At

length, however, I knocked, and no sooner certified the good

gentlewoman of my voice than she opened the door, and received me with

the most affectionate embrace, that brought tears into her aged eyes:

“For heaven’s sake, dear mother,” cried I, “tell me how is Narcissa? is

she the same that I left her?” She blessed my ears with saying, “She is

as beautiful, in as good health, and as much yours as ever.”

Transported at this assurance, I begged to know if I could not see her

that very night, when this sage matron gave me to understand that my

mistress was in London, and that things were strangely altered in the

squire’s house since my departure; that he had been married a whole

year to Melinda, who at first found means to wean his attention so much

from Narcissa, that he became quite careless of that lovely sister,

comforting himself with the clause in his father’s will, by which she

should forfeit her fortune, by marrying without his consent: that my

mistress, being but indifferently treated by her sister-in-law, had

made use of her freedom some months ago, and gone to town, where she

was lodged with Miss Williams, in expectation of my arrival; and had

been pestered with the addresses of Lord Quiverwit, who, finding her

heart engaged, had fallen upon a great many shifts to persuade her that

I was dead; but, finding all his artifices unsuccessful, and despairing

of gaining her affection, he had consoled himself for her indifference,

by marrying another lady some weeks ago, who had already left him on

account of some family uneasiness. Besides this interesting

information, she told me there was not a great deal of harmony between

Melinda and the squire, who was so much disgusted at the number of

gallants who continued to hover about her even after her marriage, that

he had hurried her down into the country, much against her own

inclination, where their mutual animosities had risen to such a height,

that they preserved no decency before company or servants, but abused

one another in the grossest terms.

This good old gentlewoman, to give me a convincing proof of my dear

Narcissa’s unalterable love, gratified me with a sight of the last

letter she had favoured her with, in which I was mentioned with so much

honour, tenderness, and concern, that my soul was fired with

impatience, and I determined to ride all night, that I might have it

the sooner in my power to make her happy. Mrs. Sagely, perceiving my

eagerness, and her maternal affection being equally divided between

Narcissa and me, begged leave to remind me of the sentiments with which

I went abroad, that would not permit me for any selfish gratification

to prejudice the fortune of that amiable young lady, who must entirely

depend upon me, after having bestowed herself in marriage. I thanked

her for her kind concern, and as briefly as possible described my

flourishing situation, which afforded this humane person infinite

wonder and satisfaction. I told her, that now I had an opportunity to

manifest my gratitude for the many obligations I owed, I would

endeavour to make her old age comfortable and easy; as a step to which

I proposed she should come and live with Narcissa and me. This

venerable gentlewoman was so much affected with my words, that the

tears ran down her ancient cheeks; she thanked heaven that I had not

belied the presages she had made, on her first acquaintance with me;

acknowledging my generosity, as she called it, in the most elegant and

pathetic expressions; but declined my proposal, on account of her

attachment to the dear melancholy cottage where she had so peacefully

consumed her solitary widowhood. Finding her immovable on this subject,

I insisted on her accepting a present of thirty guineas, and took my

leave, resolving to accommodate her with the same sum annually, for the

more comfortable support of the infirmities of old age.

Having rode all night, I found myself at Canterbury in the morning,

where I alighted to procure fresh horses; and, as I walked into the

inn, perceived an apothecary’s on the other side of the street, with

the name of Morgan over the door; alarmed at this discovery, I could

not help thinking that my old messmate had settled in this place, and

upon inquiry found my conjecture true, and that he was married lately

to a widow in that city, by whom he had got three thousand pounds.

Rejoiced at this intelligence, I went to his shop as soon as it was

open, and found my friend behind the counter, busy in preparing a

clyster. I saluted him at entrance, with, “Your servant, Mr. Morgan.”

Upon which he looked at me, and replying, “Your most humble servant,

good sir,” rubbed his ingredients in the mortar without any emotion.

“What,” said I, “Morgan, have you forgot your old messmate?” At these

words he looked up again, and starting, cried, “As Cot is my—sure it

cannot—yes, by my salfation, I pelieve it is my dear friend Mr.

Rantom.” He was no sooner convinced of my identity, than he threw down

the pestle, overset the mortar, and jumping over the board, swept up

the contents with his clothes, flew about my neck, hugged me

affectionately, and daubed me all over with turpentine and the yolks of

eggs which he had been mixing when I came in. Our mutual

congratulations being over, he told me, that he found himself a widower

upon his return from the West Indies; that he had got interest to be

appointed surgeon of a man-of-war, in which capacity he had served some

years, until he married an apothecary’s widow, with whom he now enjoyed

a pretty good sum of money, peace, and quiet, and an indifferent good

trade. He was very desirous of hearing my adventures, which I assured

him I had not time to relate, but told him in general, my circumstances

were very good, and that I hoped to see him when I should not be in

such a hurry as at present. He insisted, however, on my staying

breakfast, and introduced me to his wife, who seemed to be a decent

sensible woman, pretty well stricken in years. In the course of our

conversation, he showed the sleeve-buttons I had exchanged with him at

our parting in the West Indies, and was not a little proud to see that

I had preserved his with the same care. When I informed him of

Mackshane’s condition, he seemed at first to exult over his distress;

but, after a little recollection, said, “Well, he has paid for his

malice; I forgife him, and may Cot forgife him likewise.” He expressed

great concern for the soul of Captain Oakum, which he believed was now

gnashing its teeth; but it was some time before I could convince him of

Thompson’s being alive, at whose good fortune, nevertheless, he was

extremely glad.

Having renewed our protestations of friendship, I bade the honest

Welshman 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 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. 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, 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 her to herself with an embrace. “Good heaven,” cried she,

“Mr. Random, is it you indeed? My mistress will run distracted with

joy.” I told her, it was from an apprehension that my sudden appearance

might have had some bad effect on my dear Narcissa, that I had desired

to see her first, in order to concert some method of acquainting her

mistress gradually with my arrival. She approved of my conduct, and,

after having yielded to the suggestions of her own friendship, in

asking if my voyage had been successful, charged herself with that

office, and left me glowing with desire of seeing and embracing the

object of my love. In a very little time I heard some body coming down

the stairs in haste, and the voice of my angel pronounce, with an eager

tone, “O heaven! is it possible! where is he?” How were my faculties

aroused at this well known sound! and how was my soul transported when

she broke in upon my view in all the bloom of ripened beauty! Grace was

in all her steps, heaven in her eye, in every gesture dignity and love!

You, whose souls are susceptible of the most delicate impressions,

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

constant as your heart can wish, do me justice on this occasion, and

conceive what unutterable rapture possessed us both, while we flew into

each other’s arms! This was no time for speech: locked in a mutual

embrace, we continued some minutes in a silent trance of joy! When I

thus encircled all 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 charmingly, 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 my first transport abated, my passion grew turbulent and unruly. I

was giddy with standing on the brink of bliss, and all my virtue and

philosophy were scarce sufficient to restrain the inordinate sallies of

desire. Narcissa perceived the conflict within me, and with her usual

dignity of prudence, called off my imagination from the object in view,

and with eager expressions of interested curiosity, desired to know the

particulars of my voyage. In this I gratified her inclination, bringing

my story down to the present hour. She was infinitely surprised at the

circumstance of finding my father, which brought tears into her lovely

eyes. She was transported at hearing that approved of my flame,

discovered a longing desire of being introduced to him, congratulated

herself and me upon my good fortune, and observed, that this great and

unexpected stroke of fate seemed to have been brought about by the

immediate direction of Providence. Having entertained ourselves some

hours with the genuine effusions of our souls, I obtained her consent

to complete my happiness as soon as my father should judge it proper;

and, applying with my own hands a 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 dear Narcissa, to

whom, that I might be the more agreeable, he put into my hand a deed,

by which I found myself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds,

exclusive of the profits of my own merchandise, which amounted to three

thousand more. After dinner I accompanied him to the lodgings of my

mistress, who, being dressed for the occasion, made a most dazzling

appearance. I could perceive him struck with her figure, which I really

think was the most beautiful that ever was created under the sun. He

embraced her tenderly, and told her he was proud of having a son who

had spirit to attempt, and qualifications to engage the affections of

such a fine lady. She blushed at this compliment, and, with eyes full

of the softest languishment turned upon me, said, she should have been

unworthy of Mr. Random’s attention, had she been blind to his

extraordinary merit. I made no other answer than a low bow. My father,

sighing, pronounced, “Such was once my Charlotte;” while the tear

rushed into his eye, and the tender heart of Narcissa manifested itself

in two precious drops of sympathy, which, but for his presence, I would

have kissed away. Without repeating the particulars of our

conversation, I shall only observe, that Don Rodrigo was as much

charmed with her good sense as with her appearance, and she was no less

pleased with his understanding and polite address. It was determined

that he should write to the squire, signifying his approbation of my

passion for his sister, and offering a settlement, which he should have

no reason to reject; and that, if he should refuse the proposal, we

would crown our mutual wishes without any further regard to his will.