Father and Son Reunited
Don Rodrigo embraces his brother-in-law, Captain Bowling, calling him welcome. He dispatches messengers to announce the reunion and orders celebrations. However, the narrator is so overwhelmed by this sudden and unexpected happiness that he falls ill with a fever and becomes delirious within three hours. The festivities are countermanded, and doctors are summoned. After ten hours, the fever breaks with a critical sweat, and by the next day the narrator has recovered.
Roderick’s Delirious Fever
During his illness, Don Rodrigo never leaves the narrator’s bedside, administering medicines with devoted care while Captain Bowling maintains similar vigil. Upon recovery, the narrator discusses Narcissa with his father, showing her picture. Don Rodrigo approves of the match and promises his support, then asks the narrator to recount his life story. The narrator details his adventures, and his father blessing God for the adversity that has improved his character and prepared him for life’s duties.
Strap’s Arrival
The narrator sends for his faithful friend Strap. Upon arriving and learning of the narrator’s good fortune, Strap initially believes the narrator plans to remain abroad and mourns for Narcissa. Once clarified, Strap expresses wild joy through weeping, laughter, singing, and dancing. Don Rodrigo welcomes Strap warmly, promising future rewards, and the honest servant is treated with great respect by the household major-domo.
Celebrations and Preparations
An elegant and sumptuous entertainment follows, with rejoicings lasting two days. Don Rodrigo settles his affairs, converts his property to silver and gold, and takes touching leave of his friends, who grieve his departure and honor the narrator with substantial gifts.
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