re into the particulars of my fortune, which
they no sooner understood to be independent, than the tables were
turned, and our acquaintance was courted as much as it had been despised
before: but she 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 our 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 his 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 meantime 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
Doctors' Commons, and employed a proctor to manage the affair in my
absence.

Everything being thus settled, we took leave of all our friends in
London, and set out for Scotland, Don Rodrigo, Narcissa, Miss Williams,
and I, in the coach, and Strap, with two men in livery, on horseback; as
we made easy stages, my charmer held it out very well, till we arrived
at Edinburgh, where we proposed to rest ourselves some weeks.

Here Don Rodrigo having intelligence that the foxhunter had spoilt his
estate, which was to be exposed to sale by public auction, he determined
to make a purchase of the spot where he was born, and actually bought
all the land that belonged to his father.

In a few days after this bargain was made, we left Edinburgh, in order
to go and take possession; and by the way halted one night in that town
where I was educated. Upon inquiry, I found that Mr. Crab was dead;
whereupon I sent for his executor, paid the sum I owed with inte