My Reception by the Lady
The narrator arrives at the lady’s residence and is introduced by a waiting-woman. He finds his mistress seated in her study in an eccentric posture, engaged in writing. She appears with disheveled sandy hair, prominent gray eyes, and an aquiline nose, surrounded by books, globes, telescopes, and other scholarly apparatus. After observing the narrator curiously, she asks his name, which he conceals as John Brown. She quizzes him humorously about whether he arrived ashore on a whale or dolphin, and about swimming the Hellespont. Satisfied with his answers, she orders new livery and instructs him in his duties as footman: cleaning knives and forks, laying the cloth, waiting at table, and attending her when she goes abroad.
Enamourment with Narcissa
When dinner is served, the narrator beholds Narcissa, the lady’s niece, for the first time. He is immediately captivated by her beauty and grace. She is described as seventeen years old, tall, with jet-black hair falling in ringlets upon her ivory neck, piercing yet tender eyes, and a complexion of delicate health. Her noble and humane aspect is so ravishing that the narrator feels his heart struck with admiration and love at first sight. He curses his servile position that places him beneath her notice while simultaneously blessing his fate for enabling him to see her daily. When Narcissa addresses him, asking about his treatment by robbers, he experiences extreme joy.
Recounting Past Misfortunes
Following Mrs. Sagely’s counsel, the narrator recounts his story to Narcissa: he was bound apprentice to a ship’s master against his inclination, the ship foundered at sea, and he and four others swam to shore where his companions overpowered him, stripped him to his shirt, and left him for dead. He further describes being found in a barn and the inhuman treatment he suffered from local people and a parson. The narrative draws tears from Narcissa’s eyes. The mistress remarks approvingly, “Ma foi! le garçon est bien fait!” and Narcissa compliments his understanding in the same language.
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.