The Adventures of Roderick Random

第五十六章

The narrator recounts his introduction to Narcissa’s brother (the squire), his subsequent invitation to dine at the squire’s house, his formal introduction to Narcissa herself, and the series of events that follow—including the squire’s nap, Freeman’s tactical withdrawal, the narrator’s declaration of passion to Narcissa, her favorable reception, their captivating conversation, being detained for supper, the narrator’s clever stratagem to avoid intoxication, and finally returning home sober.

Meeting Narcissa’s Brother

The narrator meets Mr. Freeman at his house in the afternoon, where the squire (Narcissa’s brother) soon arrives. The foxhunter takes an immediate liking to the narrator, whom he believes to be a London gentleman traveling from France. The squire asks numerous childish questions about foreign parts and becomes so enamored with the narrator’s conversation that he invites both the narrator and Freeman to dinner the following day. The narrator spends a restless night anticipating the happiness to come, and in the morning he meets Miss Williams, who warns him of Narcissa’s scruples regarding his true character and situation. Miss Williams advises him to be open and unreserved while trusting to her mistress’s affection and good sense.

Invitation to His House

The narrator accompanies Mr. Freeman to the squire’s house at the appointed hour, where they are kindly received. The squire offers them drinks before dinner, which they politely refuse despite the narrator’s need for fortification. They engage in conversation for half an hour, during which the narrator’s nervousness gradually subsides, though it returns with full force when dinner is announced. As he ascends the staircase, his perturbation becomes barely concealable, and his heart beats with such increased velocity that he nearly questions his resolve to continue.