The Gift of the Watch
During the conversation, Roderick looks at his watch to regulate his movements, and the earl notices the chased case. Asking to examine it, the earl expresses admiration for its beauty and asks where he might obtain another. Considering his obligations to his patron, Roderick offers the watch as a token of gratitude, but the earl peremptorily refuses, saying he is sorry Roderick should entertain such a mercenary opinion of him. He notes it is the most beautiful piece of workmanship he has ever seen and asks about the maker. Roderick apologizes and explains he acquired it by chance in France with no maker’s name inside. He again humbly entreats the earl to accept it for his sake. The earl still refuses but thanks him for the generous offer, calling it a present no nobleman need be ashamed of receiving. He insists on knowing what it cost, offering to refund the money to show his disinterestedness. Roderick protests that accepting it would be a mark of distinction, and at last the earl is persuaded to put it in his pocket. Roderick takes his leave after receiving a squeeze of the hand and assurances to depend upon the earl’s promise.
A Present for Lord Straddle
Elated by his reception, Roderick gives a guinea to the lacqueys who escort him out. He then flies to Lord Straddle’s lodgings, where he forces a diamond ring upon the young lord as acknowledgment for introducing him to Earl Strutwell. From there, he hurries home with the intention of sharing his good fortune with honest Strap, his faithful friend and traveling companion.
Celebrating with Strap
Roderick determines to heighten Strap’s pleasure by first depressing him. Affecting disappointment and chagrin, he tells Strap abruptly that he has lost both the watch and the diamond. Poor Hugh, already worn to a consumption by such distressing news, cries out with distraction, “God in heaven forbid!” Roderick cannot continue the charade and laughs in Strap’s face, revealing everything that has happened. Strap’s features immediately relax, and the transition proves so affecting that he weeps with joy. He bestows upon Lord Strutwell the appellations of Jewel, Phoenix, and Rara avis, praising God that some virtue remains among the nobility. Their mutual congratulations complete, they give way to imagination and anticipate future happiness, projecting their success through various steps of promotion until Roderick becomes prime minister and Strap his first secretary.
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