and consequently dignify my
character not a little in this place. I was also proud of having shown
myself, in some shape, worthy of the love of Narcissa, who, I was
persuaded, would not think the worse of me for what I had done.

CHAPTER LX

I am visited by Freeman, with whom I appear in Public, and am
caressed--am sent for by Lord Quiverwit, whose Presence I quit
flung--Narcissa is carried off by her Brother--I intend to pursue
him, and am dissuaded by my Friend--engage in Play, and lose all my
Money--set out for London--try my Fortune at the Gaming Table without
success--receive a letter from Narcissa--bilk my Tailor

While I entertained myself with these reflections, the news of the duel,
being communicated by some unknown channel, spread all over the town. I
was visited by Freeman, who testified his surprise at finding me; for it
was told, that Lord Quiverwit being dead of his wounds, I had absconded,
in order to avoid the cognizance of the law. I asked, if people guessed
the occasion of the quarrel; and, understanding it was attributed to
his lordship's resentment of my reply in the Long Room, confirmed that
conjecture, glad to find Narcissa unsuspected. My friend, after I had
assured him that my antagonist was in no danger, wished me joy of the
event, than which, he said, nothing could happen more opportunely to
support the idea he had given of my character to his friends, among whom
he had been very assiduous in my behalf.

On the strength of this assurance, I went with him to the coffee-house,
where I was saluted by a great many of those very persons who had
shunned me the preceding day; and I found everybody making merry with
the story of Melinda's French gallant. While I remained in this place, I
received a message from Lord Quiverwit, desiring, if I were not engaged,
to see me at his house.

Thither I immediately repaired, and was conducted to an apartment where
I was received by his lordship in bed. When we were left by ourselves,
he thanked me in very polite terms for having used the advantage fortune
had given me over him with such moderation, and asked pardon for any
offence his resentment might have prompted him to commit. "I would
willingly," said he, "make you my friend; but, as it is impossible for
me to divest myself of my passion for Narcissa, I am too well convinced
of your sentiments, to think we shall ever agree on that subject. I took
the liberty, therefore, of sending for you, in o