s of my charge, was convinced of my 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
harangue, and assuring him that, far from entertaining a resentment
against him, I thought myself obliged to his lenity, which allowed me to
escape, after such strong assumptions 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 genius, communicated by 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 midst of mortality, it cannot
be expected we should be incapable of imposition. I must 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 entrails, this manifestation of your innocence makes my midriff
quiver with joy." I thanked him for this 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 Clothes--reprimand Strutwell and Straddle--Banter
proposes another matrimonial Scheme--I accept of his Terms--set out
to Bath in the 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 clothes were
almost as good as new, I grew ashamed of wearing them, because I thought
eve