The Adventures of Roderick Random

Pardon and Pledge of Aid to Mrs. Gawky

Deeply affected by her discourse, and having no cause to suspect the sincerity of her penitence, the narrator raises her up, freely pardons all she has done against him, and promises to befriend her as far as lies in his power. He thus does himself a piece of justice by her means and resolves to reconcile her to her father.

CHAPTER LII

Chapter LII describes Roderick Random’s return to London and his efforts to clear his reputation from the conspiracy that led to his earlier disgrace. Through Mrs. Gawky’s sworn declaration exposing the plot, Random secures vindication from her father and the schoolmaster, generously rewards Mrs. Gawky, and arranges a small lifetime annuity for her despite her father’s refusal to take her back into the household.

Initial Refusal to Contact Apothecary

Since his last arrival in London, Random has made no attempt to contact the apothecary, believing it impossible to establish his innocence given how damagingly the accusation against him was circumstanced.

Strap’s Failed Justification to Schoolmaster

Strap attempted to justify Random to the schoolmaster but failed utterly. Mr. Concordance broke off all correspondence with Strap because Strap refused to abandon his connection with Random, leaving matters at an impasse.

Vindication Deal with Mrs. Gawky

Seeing a fair opportunity to vindicate his character, Random stipulated with Mrs. Gawky that he would not lift a finger to help her until she first did him the justice of clearing his reputation by swearing on oath before a magistrate, exposing the full conspiracy that had been executed against him.

Generous Payment to Mrs. Gawky

Once Mrs. Gawky provided this satisfaction, Random presented her with five guineas—a sum so far above her expectation that she could scarcely credit her senses and was ready to worship him for his benevolence.

Gawky and Concordance Apology Visit

Random sent the declaration, signed in Mrs. Gawky’s own hand, to her father. Upon recollecting and comparing the circumstances of the charge, Lavement became convinced of Random’s integrity and called on him the next day, accompanied by his friend the schoolmaster, to whom he had communicated Random’s vindication.

Acceptance of Lavement and Concordance Apologies

After mutual greetings, Monsieur Lavement launched into a long apology for Random’s unjust treatment, but Random cut short the harangue by assuring him that he bore no resentment and was actually grateful for Lavement’s leniency in letting him escape when the evidence of guilt had seemed so strong. Mr. Concordance, taking his turn, observed that no reasonable man could blame them for crediting ocular demonstration, and expressed his delight at the triumph of Random’s character. Random thanked him for his concern, asked them to correct any who judged him harshly, and shared a glass of wine with them.

Arranged Lifetime Annuity for Mrs. Gawky

Random took the opportunity to represent to Lavement the deplorable condition of his daughter and pleaded her cause so effectively that Lavement consented to settle a small annuity on her for life. He could not, however, be persuaded to take her back into his home, because her mother was so deeply incensed that she refused ever to see her again.

CHAPTER LII

This chapter follows the narrator’s failed attempts to recover his stolen watch and jewel from the duplicitous Strutwell, his descent into near-poverty, a surprise windfall from gambling, the formal vindication of his reputation from a past false accusation, and partial reconciliation with the family of the woman who framed him.

A Failed Attempt to Recover the Jewel

The narrator first attempts to trick Strutwell into returning his diamond by claiming it needs resetting by a Parisian jeweller he knows, but Strutwell sees through the ruse, having already sent the jewel to his own jeweller for repair. He then devises a second scheme to recover his watch: planning to drop it under the pretense of winding it, then insisting on taking it away for repairs to keep it permanently. The plan fails entirely when Strutwell avoids all private meetings with the narrator, only sending word he is too indisposed to receive visitors.