CAPÍTULO LXVI.
The chapter details the narrator’s arrival at Buenos Ayres, his meeting with an English stranger at Don Antonio’s villa, a shocking revelation of kinship, his subsequent illness, the arrival of his friend Strap, and the party’s journey from Rio de la Plata to Kingston, Jamaica.
Arrival at Buenos Ayres
Upon unloading the enslaved Africans, the narrator finally breathes freely and enjoys the pleasant climate of Buenos Ayres, which is celebrated as South America’s answer to Montpellier. The narrator reflects on his beloved Narcissa, whose image grows more enchanting with distance, and makes grand plans to return to England, purchase a sinecure, and marry Narcissa despite her brother’s opposition.
Thoughts of Narcissa
The narrator’s devotion to Narcissa intensifies during his stay in this pleasant land. He calculates the profits of his voyage, which exceed expectations, and entertains schemes for their future together—including the possibility of marrying by stealth if her brother remains hostile. He also relies on his uncle’s generosity should his family grow.
Spanish Gentlemens’ Hospitality
The Spanish gentlemen of Buenos Ayres frequently entertain the narrator and his uncle with elaborate parties and country excursions. Among these hospitable hosts, Don Antonio de Ribera distinguishes himself through his politeness and the intimate friendship he cultivates with the narrator.
Don Antonio’s Villa Invitation
Don Antonio invites the travelers to his country house, promising them the company of an English gentleman who has lived in the region for many years and earned universal respect for his good sense and honorable conduct. The narrator accepts this invitation with anticipation.
Meeting the English Stranger
At Don Antonio’s villa, the narrator meets the mysterious English stranger, Don Rodrigo, a tall, well-formed man of dignified appearance and about forty years old, whose grave countenance reflects Spanish influence. When Don Rodrigo learns they are English, he greets them warmly but sighs deeply when his gaze fixes upon the narrator. The narrator feels an inexplicable attraction and reverence toward this stranger. Don Rodrigo expresses his desire to return to England and proposes traveling with Captain Thoma’s ship, contingent upon the governor’s approval.
Journey to Don Rodrigo’s House
The narrator spends a sleepless night consumed by curiosity about Don Rodrigo’s story. The following morning, three richly caparisoned mules arrive bearing an invitation to Don Rodrigo’s estate, located about ten miles further into the countryside. The narrator and his companions mount the provided mules and arrive at Don Rodrigo’s house before noon, where they receive splendid entertainment.
The Mysterious Bond
Throughout the meal, Don Rodrigo shows the narrator particular attention, and the narrator experiences an uncanny attraction toward the stranger. When Don Rodrigo fixes his gaze upon him, the narrator feels an involuntary sympathy and profound emotion that he cannot explain.
The Amethyst Ring Gift
After dinner, Don Rodrigo presents the narrator with a beautiful amethyst ring, a local product, remarking with a deep sigh that he once had a son who would have been nearly the narrator’s age. This observation deeply affects the narrator, who becomes lost in confused thoughts. When the captain addresses him as “Rory,” Don Rodrigo suddenly demands to know his name and his mother’s name.
The Shocking Revelation
When the narrator reveals his name as Roderick Random and his mother as Charlotte Bowling, Don Rodrigo leaps up exclaiming “My son! My son!” and embraces him with overwhelming emotion. The father and son weep together as Don Rodrigo thanks Providence for this miraculous reunion. He kneels in prayer, praising divine wisdom, and the narrator joins him in silent thanksgiving before receiving his father’s blessing.
Father and Son Reunited
Don Rodrigo embraces his brother-in-law, Captain Bowling, calling him welcome. He dispatches messengers to announce the reunion and orders celebrations. However, the narrator is so overwhelmed by this sudden and unexpected happiness that he falls ill with a fever and becomes delirious within three hours. The festivities are countermanded, and doctors are summoned. After ten hours, the fever breaks with a critical sweat, and by the next day the narrator has recovered.
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