: in ten hours after I was taken ill
I enjoyed a critical sweat, and next day felt the remains of the
distemper, but an agreeable lassitude, which did not hinder me from
getting up. During the progress of this fever, which, from the term
or its duration, is called ephemera, my father never once quitted my
bedside, but administered the prescriptions of the physicians with the
most pious care; while Captain Bowling manifested his concern by the
like attendance. I no sooner found myself delivered from this disease,
than I bethought myself of my honest friend Strap; and resolving to make
him happy forthwith in the knowledge of my good fortune, told my
father in general, that I had been infinitely obliged to this faithful
adherent, and begged he would indulge me so far as to send for him,
without letting him know my happiness, until he could receive an account
of it from my own mouth.

My request was instantly complied with, and a messenger with a spare
mule despatched to the ship, carrying orders from the captain to
the mate, to send the steward by the bearer. My health being, in the
meantime, re-established, and my mind composed I began to relish this
important turn of my fortune, in reflecting upon the advantages with
which it must be attended; and, as the idea of my lovely Narcissa always
joined itself to every scene of happiness I could imagine, I entertained
myself now with the prospect of possessing her in that distinguished
sphere to which she was entitled by her birth and qualifications. Having
often mentioned her name while I was deprived of my senses, my
father guessed that there was an intimate connection between us, and
discovering the picture which hung in my bosom by ribbon, did not doubt
that it was the resemblance of my amiable mistress. In this belief he
was confirmed by my uncle, who told him that it was the picture of a
young woman, to whom I was under promise of marriage. Alarmed at
this piece of information, Don Rodrigo took the first opportunity of
questioning me about the particulars of this affair, which when I
had candidly recounted, he approved of my passion, and promised to
contribute all in his power towards its success. Though I never doubted
his generosity, I was transported on this occasion, and throwing myself
at his feet, told him, he had now completed my happiness, for, without
the possession of Narcissa I should be miserable among all the pleasures
of life. He raised me with a smile of pat