The Adventures of Roderick Random

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.