The Adventures of Roderick Random
proposal, I asked if he knew the story of that unfortunate young
gentlewoman; upon which he replied, “Yes, yes, I know what you mean—she
has been unhappy, I grant you—but what of that? I am convinced of her
reformation; or else you and my good lady would not treat her with such
respect. As for the censure of the world, I value it not a fig’s
end—besides, the world knows nothing of the matter.” I commended his
philosophy, and interested Narcissa in his cause; who interceded so
effectually, that in a little time Miss Williams yielded her consent,
and they were married at the approbation of Don Rodrigo, who gave him
five hundred pounds to stock a farm, and made him overseer of his
estate. My generous bedfellow gave her maid the same sum; so that they
live in great peace and plenty within half-a-mile of us, and daily put
up prayers for our preservation.
If there be such a thing as true happiness on earth, I enjoy it. The
impetuous transports of my passion are now settled and mellowed into
endearing fondness and tranquillity of love, rooted by that intimate
connection and interchange of hearts which nought but virtuous wedlock
can produce. Fortune seems determined to make ample amends for her
former cruelty, for my proctor writes that, notwithstanding the clause
in my father-in-law’s will, on which the squire founds his claim, I
shall certainly recover my wife’s fortune, in consequence of a codicil
annexed, which explains that clause, and limits her restriction to the
age of nineteen, after which she was at her own disposal. I would have
set out for London immediately after receiving this piece of
intelligence, but my dear angel has been qualmish of late, and begins
to grow remarkably round in the waist; so that I cannot leave her in
such an interesting situation, which I hope will produce something to
crown my felicity.