The Adventures of Roderick Random

Acquaintance Courted

Melinda spreads malicious rumours about the narrator and Narcissa’s marriage to damage their reputation. A group of acquaintances who are fond of scandal begin inquiring into the narrator’s fortune, and once they confirm it is fully independent, they abruptly reverse their previous dismissive attitude and begin courting the couple’s acquaintance. Narcissa, however, is too proud to encourage this fickle behaviour, especially from her own relatives who spread false reports about her, and refuses to meet with them.

第六十九章

The narrator and his wife Narcissa accompany his father Don Rodrigo to Scotland to visit his native country and his mother’s grave. During this journey, the uncle renews his will in favor of the narrator and his wife, and the family sets out for Scotland with an entourage including Strap and two men in livery.

Preparing for the Scottish Journey and Uncle’s Will Renewal

Don Rodrigo decides to revisit his homeland and pay respects at his late wife’s grave. His son and daughter-in-law Narcissa accompany him, while the uncle resolves to return to sea once more and try his fortune. Before departing, the uncle renews his will in favor of the narrator and Narcissa, depositing it with his brother-in-law. Meanwhile, the narrator takes precautions for his own interests by summoning the squire to produce his father-in-law’s will at Doctors’ Commons and employs a proctor to manage the affair during his absence.

Journey to Scotland and Purchase of Paternal Estate

The party departs from London, traveling in easy stages with Don Rodrigo, Narcissa, and Miss Williams in the coach, while Strap and two men in livery ride horseback. Upon arriving in Edinburgh, they rest for several weeks. While there, Don Rodrigo learns that his father’s estate has been ruined by a foxhunter and is to be sold at public auction. He determines to repurchase the land where he was born and successfully acquires all the property that belonged to his father.