The Adventures of Roderick Random

第五十五章

In Chapter LV, the narrator manipulates his way into the good graces of Mrs. Snapper during a coach journey to Bath, where he defeats the celebrated Beau Nash in a battle of wits, suffers a setback in courting Miss Snapper, and is thunderstruck by the unexpected appearance of his beloved Narcissa at an assembly. His distracted behaviour arouses Miss Snapper’s suspicion and jealousy, while a chance encounter with Miss Williams, Narcissa’s confidante and former fellow lodger, opens the door to revelations about his mistress’s feelings and paves the way for future developments.

Winning the Mother’s Favor and Travel to Bath

Struck by Miss Snapper’s fortune, the narrator calculates how best to pursue her, balancing pride against interest. He resolves to win over the cold and suspicious mother by respectful assiduity on the road. An accident aids his design: when a nobleman has secured all the food at their dining inn, the narrator bribes the landlord to part with fowls and bacon, which he sends to the ladies and then joins them at dinner. His disinterested ease captivates Mrs. Snapper, who invites him to visit her at Bath. Meanwhile, the precise lady’s valet-husband is discovered, the lawyer is taken up, and the narrator secretly pays the whole bill before they re-embark, leaving the captain to console himself with bread, cheese, and brandy. The journey ends without further incident, and the next morning the narrator takes lodgings of his own.

Defeating Beau Nash at the Long Room

After spending the forenoon sightseeing with a gentleman to whom Banter has introduced him, the narrator visits the Snappers in the afternoon, where Miss is suffering from fatigue. He receives Mrs. Snapper’s permission to escort them to the Long Room. There, the party is subjected to contemptuous stares and titters; but Miss Snapper retains astonishing composure even when the celebrated Mr. Nash, master of the ceremonies, attempts to insult her by publicly asking the name of Tobit’s dog. Miss Snapper instantly retorts that his name was Nash and an impudent dog he was, turning the laugh so thoroughly against the aggressor that he is forced to slink away, while she is immediately courted by the best company in the room.