The Adventures of Roderick Random

Chapter XIX: The characters of Mr. Lavement, his wife and daughter——some anecdotes of the family——the mother and daughter rivals——I am guilty of a mistake that gives me present satisfaction, but is attended with troublesome consequences.

96 The Adventures of Roderick Random chapter xix. The characters of Mr. Lavement, his wife and daughter——some anecdotes of the family——the mother and daughter rivals——I am guilty of a mistake that gives me present satisfaction, but is attended with troublesome consequences. Next day while I was at work in the shop, a bouncing damsel well-dressed came in, on pretence of finding a vial for some use or other; and taking an opportunity when she thought I did not mind her, of observing me narrowly, went away with a silent look of disdain.—I easily guessed her sentiments, and my pride took the resolution of entertaining the same indifference and neglect towards her.—At dinner, the maids with whom I dined in the kitchen, gave me to understand that this was my master ’s only daughter, who would have a very handsome fortune, on account of which, and her beauty, a great many young gentlemen made their addresses to her—that she had been twice on the brink of marriage, but disappointed by the stinginess of her father, who refused to part with a shilling to promote the match—for which reason the young lady did not behave to her father with all the filial veneration that might be expected : In particular, she harboured the most perfect hatred for his countrymen, in which disposition she resembled her mother, who was an English woman; and by these hints they dropp’d, I learned the grey mare was the better horse1 —that she was a matron of a high spirit, which was often manifested at the expence of her dependants; that she loved diversions, and looked upon miss as her rival in all parties, which was indeed the true cause of her disappointments; for had the mother been hearty in her interest, the father would not have ventured to refuse her demands.—Over and above this intelligence , I of myself, soon made more discoveries; Mr. Lavement’s significant grins at his wife, while she looked another way, convinc’d me that he was not at all content with his lot: And his behaviour in presence of the captain, made me believe his chief torment was jealousy.—As for my own part, I was consider’d in no other light than that of a menial servant, and had been already six days in the house without being honour’d with one word from either mother or daughter, the latter (as I understood from the maids) having at table one day, expressed some surprize that her papa should entertain such an aukward, mean-looking journeyman.—I was nettled at this piece of information, and next Sunday, (it being my turn to take my diversion) dressed myself in my new cloaths to the greatest advantage, and, vanity apart, made no contemptible figure.—After having spent most part of the day in company with Strap and some of his acquaintance, I came home in the afternoon, and was let in by miss, who not knowing me, dropt a low courtesy as I advanced, which I returned with a profound bow, and shut the door.—By that time I had turn’d about, she had perceiv’d her mistake, and chang’d colour, but did not withdraw. The passage being narrow, I could not get away without jostling her; so, I was forc’d to remain where I was, with my eyes fix’d on the Volume One, Chapter XIX 97 ground, and my face glowing with blushes—At length her vanity coming to her assistance , she went away tittering, and I could hear her pronounce the word “creature.” From this day forward, she came into the shop fifty times every day, upon various pretences , and put in practice so many ridiculous airs, that I could easily perceive her opinion of me was chang’d, and that she did not think me altogether an unworthy conquest —But my heart was so steel’d against her charms by pride and resentment, which were two chief ingredients in my disposition, that I remain’d insensible to all her arts; and notwithstanding some advances she made, could not be prevail’d upon to yield her the least attention—This neglect soon banish’d all the favourable impressions she felt for me, and the rage of a slighted woman took place in her heart; this she manifested not only in all the suggestions her malice could invent to my prejudice with her father, but also in procuring...