 integrity, and waited on me next day, in company with his friend
the schoolmaster, to whom he had communicated my vindication. - After mutual
salutation, Monsieur Lavement began a long apology for the unjust treatment I
had received; but I saved him a good deal of breath, by interrupting his
harrangue, and assuring him, that so far from entertaining any resentment
against him, I thought myself obliged to his lenity, which allowed me to escape,
after such strong presumptions of guilt appeared against me. Mr. Concordance
thinking it now his turn to speak, observed, that Mr. Random had too much
candour and sagacity to be disobliged at their conduct, which, all things
considered, could not have been otherwise, with any honesty of intention.
»Indeed (said he) if the plot had been unravelled to us by any supernatural
intelligence; if it had been whispered by a genie, communicated by a dream, or
revealed by an angel from on high, we should have been to blame in crediting
ocular demonstration; - but as we were left in the mist of mortality, it cannot
be expected we should be incapable of imposition. - I do assure you, Mr. Random,
no man on earth is more pleased than I am at this triumph of your character; and
as the news of your misfortune panged me to the very intrails, this
manifestation of your innocence makes my midrif quiver with joy.« - I thanked
him for his concern, desired them to undeceive those of their acquaintance who
judged harshly of me, and having treated them with a glass of wine, represented
to Lavement the deplorable condition of his daughter, and pleaded her cause so
effectually, that he consented to settle a small annuity on her for life; but
could not be persuaded to take her home, because her mother was so much incensed
that she would never see her.
 

                                  Chapter LIII

I purchase new cloaths -- reprimand Strutwell and Straddle -- Banter proposes
another matrimonial scheme - I accept of his terms -- set out for Bath in a
stage-coach, with the young lady and her mother - the behaviour of an officer
and lawyer, our fellow-travellers, described - a smart dialogue between my
mistress and the captain
 
Having finished this affair to my satisfaction, I found myself perfectly at
ease, and looking upon the gaming-table as a certain resource for a gentleman in
want, became more gay than ever. - Although my cloaths were almost as good as
new, I grew ashamed of wearing them, because I thought every body, by this time,
had got an inventory
