, in which capacity I insist upon your accepting this
first instance of my paternal duty and affection.« With these words, he put into
her hand a bank-note for 500 l. which she no sooner examined, than with a low
curtesy she replied, »Dear Sir, tho' I have not the least occasion for this
supply, I have too great a veneration for you, to refuse this proof of your
generosity and esteem, which I the more freely receive, because I already look
upon Mr. Random's interest as inseparably connected with mine.« He was extremely
well pleased at her frank and ingenuous reply, upon which we saluted, and wished
her good night. - The letter, at my request, was dispatched to Sussex by an
express, and in the mean time, Don Rodriguez, to grace my nuptials, hired a
ready-furnished house, and set up a very handsom equipage.
    Though I passed the greatest part of the day with the darling of my soul, I
found leisure sometimes to be among my former acquaintance, who were astonished
at the magnificence of my appearance: Banter in particular was confounded at the
strange vicissitudes of my fortune, the causes of which he endeavoured in vain
to discover, until I thought fit to disclose the whole secret of my last voyage,
partly in consideration of our former intimacy, and partly to prevent
unfavourable conjectures which he and others, in all probability, would have
made in regard to my circumstances. He professed great satisfaction at this
piece of news, and I had no cause to believe him insincere, when I considered
that he would now look upon himself as acquitted of the debt he owed me, and at
the same time flatter himself with hopes of borrowing more. - I carried him home
to dinner with me, and my father liked his conversation so much, that upon
hearing his difficulties, he desired me to accommodate him for the present, and
enquire if he would accept of a commission in the army, towards the purchase of
which he would willingly lend him money. Accordingly, I gave my friend an
opportunity of being alone with me, when, as I expected, he told me that he was
just on the point of being reconciled to an old rich uncle, whose heir he was,
but wanted a few pieces for immediate expence, which he desired I would lend
him, and take his bond for the whole. His demand was limited to ten guineas; and
when I put twenty into his hand, he stared at me for some moments, then putting
it into his purse, said
