The Adventures of Roderick Random

Gaining My Mistress’s Approval

The narrator’s story and appearance win the approval of both his mistress and Narcissa. The mistress’s French compliment on his good looks is echoed by Narcissa, who adds a flattering remark about his understanding in the same language. This approval solidifies his position as a footman in the household.

Account of the Young Squire

Conversation at dinner turns to the young squire, whom the mistress calls “the Savage.” Narcissa reports that he remains in bed recovering from last night’s drinking, preparing for a fox chase the next morning. He is to be joined by Sir Timothy Thicket, Squire Bumper, and other gentlemen of similar character, promising an uproarious dawn for the household. The virtuoso mistress declares she will stuff her ears with cotton and take opium to sleep through the noise.

Learning of Narcissa’s Circumstances

During dinner, the narrator learns from the kitchen servants that Sir Timothy Thicket is a wealthy local knight. A match has been projected between Sir Timothy and Narcissa by her brother, who in turn would marry Sir Timothy’s sister. The fortunes of both families are approximately equal, and the arrangement would provide for both young women while neither brother would be out of pocket. However, both ladies actively disdain the persons allotted to them by this scheme.

Hatred of Sir Timothy Thicket

This information immediately creates a mortal aversion to Sir Timothy in the narrator’s heart, as he now views the knight as his rival for Narcissa’s affection. The next morning, the narrator rises early to observe the hunting party and glimpses his competitor. He assesses that Sir Timothy’s personal qualities, excluding his estate, are not brilliant enough to cause him serious concern regarding winning Narcissa, whose affection he begins to hope he might gain despite his lowly station.