 them; the more,
because Melinda was robbed of all her admirers by my wife, who happened that
night to outshine her sister both in beauty and dress. - She was piqued at
Narcissa's victory, tossed her head a thousand different ways, flirted her fan,
looked at us with disdain, then whispered to her husband, and broke out into an
affected giggle; but all her arts proved ineffectual, either to discompose Mrs.
Random, or to conceal her own mortification, which at length forced her away
long before the play was done. - The news of our marriage being spread, with
many circumstances to our disadvantage, by the industry of this malignant
creature, a certain set of persons, fond of scandal, began to enquire into the
particulars of my fortune, which they no sooner understood to be independant,
than the tables were turned, and our acquaintance was courted as much as it had
been despised before: But Narcissa had too much dignity of pride, to encourage
this change of conduct, especially in her relations, whom she could never be
prevailed upon to see, after the malicious reports they had raised to her
prejudice.
 

                                  Chapter LXIX

My father intends to revisit the place of his nativity - we propose to accompany
him - my uncle renews his will in my favour, determining to go to sea again --
we set out for Scotland -- arrive at Edinburgh - purchase our paternal estate --
proceed to it -- halt at the town where I was educated -- take up my bond to
Crab -- the behaviour of Potion and his wife, and one of my female cousins --
our reception at the estate -- Strap marries Miss Williams, and is settled by my
father to his own satisfaction -- I am more and more happy
 
My father intending to revisit his native country, and pay the tribute of a few
tears at my mother's grave, Narcissa and I resolved to accompany him in the
execution of this pious office, and accordingly prepared for the journey; in
which, however, my uncle would not engage, being resolved to try his fortune
once more at sea. In the mean time, he renewed his will in favour of my wife and
me, and deposited it in the hands of his brother-in-law: While I (that I might
not be wanting to my own interest) summoned the Squire to produce his father's
will at Doctor's Commons, and employed a proctor to manage the affair in my
absence.
    Every thing being thus settled, we took leave of all our friends in London
