第五十八章
The protagonist, tormented by jealousy, returns home in a frantic state and vents his fury upon the faithful Strap, whose ear he pinches with such violence that the servant weeps at this unkindness, while the protagonist feels unbearable remorse for his ingratitude. Miss Williams arrives with word that Narcissa desires to see him, and he hastens to her apartment through the garden, where she, in tears, gives him such assurances of her eternal fidelity that all his doubts and fears vanish, though he declares himself unworthy of her charms. After leaving her at midnight, he is startled by a noise in the darkness and, suspecting a spy threatens Narcissa’s reputation, draws his sword to kill the intruder, only to discover to his relief that it is Strap, who has followed him out of concern for his safety. The following days reveal that Melinda has been slandering him as an Irish fortune-hunter without birth or estate, and Lord Quiverwit has been introduced to Narcissa by her brother as a suitor with honorable intentions, while the Squire himself grows cold and distant. Narcissa, however, remains steadfast in her love, though she discloses that her entire fortune depends upon obtaining her brother’s consent to marry, which throws the protagonist into universal trepidation. Freeman undertakes to defend his character against the scandalous reports and roll the stream of slander back upon its source.
Jealous Torment, Strap’s Abuse, and Narcissa’s Message
The narrator returns home in a state of frantic agitation following his emotional distress. In a violent outburst, he assaults his loyal servant Strap, pinching his ear so severely that Strap cries out in pain and looks at him with stunned bewilderment. Although the narrator quickly apologizes, Strap weeps at the unkind treatment, causing the narrator to feel intense remorse. His passions continue to rage as he kicks furniture and speaks wildly until exhaustion brings on melancholy silence. In this vulnerable state, he is surprised by Miss Williams, who has been sent by Narcissa, who desires to see him immediately. The mention of Narcissa acts like a charm, and he follows her without hesitation.
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