Uncle books cutter passage for Deal
After finishing their meal, the narrator and his uncle Mr. Bowling walk down to the harbour where they find a cutter sailing for Deal that evening. While waiting, they stroll about the town discussing the narrator’s uncertain plans. The narrator reflects on his desperate circumstances—reduced to near poverty among foreigners with no acquaintances to advise him. His uncle offers to take him to England where he might find some provision, but the narrator determines to remain in France at all events.
Narrator resolves to stay in France over England
The narrator views England at this time as the worst country in the universe for a poor honest man to live in, and besides other reasons he has for avoiding that kingdom, he is confirmed in his resolution to stay in France by a reverend priest who happens to pass by and overhears them speaking English.
Meeting the Scottish priest in Deal
The priest accosts them in their native language, revealing he is their countryman and offering whatever service he can provide. They invite him to share a glass of wine at a tavern of his recommending. After toasting their healths in good Burgundy, the priest inquires about their origins. When they name their birthplace, he starts up with excitement, wringing their hands and weeping, declaring he comes from the same region and they may be his own relations. The narrator remains initially cautious, recalling a previous adventure with a money-dropper, but when the priest proves knowledgeable about their families and personally knew their grandfather after fifty years’ absence from Scotland, his scruples are entirely removed. The narrator discloses his condition without reserve, displaying his talents to such advantage that the old father looks upon him with admiration and assures him he can make his fortune in France.
Religious dispute between priest and uncle
The uncle grows jealous of the priest’s influence and abruptly declares that if the narrator should ever renounce his religion, he will break off all connection and correspondence. He asserts that no honest man would swerve from his principles, whether Turkish, Protestant, or Roman. The affronted priest launches into a long discourse on the danger of obstinacy and shutting one’s eyes against the light, citing Scripture and the Fathers to prove the Pope’s authority as successor of St. Peter. He declares the Protestant faith an impious heresy and damnable schism. The lieutenant, distracted by his own affairs, dismissively replies that he has no objection to what the priest says, may be either truth or false, and he trusts no creed but the compass, defying the Pope, the Devil, and the Pretender. This gives great offense to the friar, who protests that had Mr. Bowling not been his countryman, he would have him imprisoned for his insolence.
Priest reconciles with uncle after dispute
The narrator ventures to disapprove of his uncle’s rashness and appeases the old gentleman by assuring him no offense was intended. Mr. Bowling, now sensible of his error, shakes the injured party’s hand and asks pardon for his freedom. The matter being amicably compromised, the priest invites them to visit him at his convent that afternoon and takes his leave. The uncle then strongly recommends the narrator persevere in the religion of his forefathers, whatever advantages might be proposed by a change. The narrator assures him no consideration would induce him to forfeit his friendship and good opinion on that score, at which the uncle shows great satisfaction.
Uncle departs for England
They visit the priest at his convent where he treats them with wine and sweetmeats and shows them everything remarkable in the monastery. After being entertained, the narrator promises to see the priest again the next day. When the time fixed for his uncle’s embarking arrives, the narrator accompanies him to the harbour and sees him aboard. They part with tears, embracing and wishing one another prosperity. Mr. Bowling requests the narrator write to him often, directing to Lieutenant Bowling at the sign of the Union Flag near the Hermitage, London. The narrator returns to pass a solitary night reflecting on his severe fate and projecting schemes for his future, seeing nothing but insurmountable difficulties and ready to despair.
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