Stop at the Narrator’s Former School Town and Acquaintance Encounters
On their way to take possession of the estate, the party halts at the town where the narrator was educated. He discovers that Mr. Crab has died, pays off his bond with interest to the executor, and retrieves the document. Mr. Potion and his wife attempt to visit the narrator and his father, but the narrator rejects their overtures with disdain, remembering their sordid treatment of him when he was an orphan. A female cousin also appears and greets them familiarly, but the narrator reminds her of how poorly she treated him in childhood, prompting his father to order her away. The narrator later learns she has married an impoverished ensign and her sister has borne a child to a footman now married to her mother.
Warm Reception at the Scottish Estate and Local Visits
As they approach the estate, a great multitude of poor tenants—men, women, and children—meet them with loud acclamations of joy. Scottish peasants are notably devoted to their lords, and the crowd’s affection nearly overwhelms the party. Many kneel to kiss Don Rodrigo’s hand or garment, praying for his prosperity, while others approach Narcissa and the narrator with similar reverence. The touching scene moves all present to tears. Don Rodrigo orders cattle slaughtered and ale tapped to celebrate with the people. The next day, local gentry arrive to pay their respects, including the foxhunter who has been staying with relatives after ruining his estate; the generous Don Rodrigo receives him kindly and promises to purchase a commission in the army for him.
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.