I receive an extraordinary Message at the Door of the Long Room, which, however, enter, and affront1 the Squire2, who threatens to take the Law of me — Rebuke3 Melinda for her Malice4 — she weeps with Vexation — Lord Quiverwit is severe upon me — I retort his Sarcasm5 — am received with the utmost Tenderness by Narcissa, who desires to hear the Story of my Life — we vow6 eternal Constancy to other — I retire — am waked by a Messenger, who brings a Challenge from Quiverwit, whom I meet, engage, and vanquish7
I thanked him for his advice, which, however, my pride and resentment8 would not permit me to follow; for he no sooner left me, in order to do justice to my character among his friends and acquaintance, than I sallied out, and went directly to the Long Room. I was met at the door by a servant, who presented a billet to me without a subscription9, importing that my presence was disagreeable to the company, and desiring I would take the hint without further disturbance10, and bestow11 myself elsewhere for the future. This peremptory12 message filled me with indignation. I followed the fellow who delivered it, and, seizing him by the collar in presence of all the company, threatened to put him instantly to death, if he did not discover the scoundrel who had charged him with such an impudent13 commission, that I might punish him as he deserved. The messenger, affrighted at my menaces and furious looks, fell upon his knees, and told me, that the gentleman who ordered him to deliver the letter was no other than Narcissa’s brother, who, at that time, stood at the other end of the room, talking to Melinda. I went up to him immediately, and in the hearing of his inamorata, accosted15 him in these words; “Lookee, squire, were it not for one consideration that protects you from my resentment, I would cane16 you where you stand, for having had the presumption17 to send me this scurrilous18 intimation;” which I tore to pieces and threw in his face: at the same time darting19 an angry regard at his mistress, I told her, I was sorry she had put it out of my power to compliment her upon her invention, but at the expense of her good nature and veracity20. Her admirer, whose courage never rose, but in proportion to the wine he had swallowed, instead of resenting my address in what is called an honourable21 way, threatened to prosecute22 me for an assault, and took witnesses accordingly: while she, piqued23 at his pusillanimous24 behaviour, and enraged25 at the sarcasm I had uttered against her, endeavoured to make her quarrel a public cause, and wept aloud with spite and vexation.
The tears of a lady could not fail of attracting the notice and concern of the spectators to whom she complained of my rudeness with great bitterness, saying, if she were a man, I durst not use her so. The greatest part of the gentlemen, already prejudiced against me, were offended at the liberty I had taken, as appeared from their looks; though none of them signified their disgust any other way except my Lord Quiverwit, who ventured to say, with a sneer26, that I was in the right to establish my own character, of which he had now no longer any doubt. Nettled27 at this severe equivocation28, which raised a laugh at my expense, I replied with some warmth, “I am proud of having in that particular got the start of your lordship.” He made no answer to my repartee29, but with a contemptuous smile walked off, leaving me in a very disagreeable situation. In vain did I make up to several people of my acquaintance, whose conversation, I hoped, would banish30 my confusion; everybody shunned31 me like a person infected, and I should not have been able to bear my disgrace, had not the idea of the ever faithful and fond Narcissa come to my relief. I quitted the scene of my mortification32, and, sauntering about the town, happened to wake from my contemplation, when I found myself just opposite to a toy-shop, which I entered, and purchased a ring set with a ruby33 in the form of a heart, surrounded by diamond sparks, for which I paid ten guineas, intending it for a present to the charmer of my soul.
I was introduced, at the hour appointed, to this divine creature, who, notwithstanding what she had heard to my disadvantage, received me with the utmost confidence and tenderness; and, having been informed of the general sketches34 of my life by Miss Williams, expressed a desire, of knowing the particular circumstances, which I related with great candour, omitting, however, some things which I concluded altogether improper35 for her ear, and which the reader’s reflection will easily suggest. As my story was little else than a recital36 of misfortunes, the tear of sympathy ceased not to trickle37 from her enchanting38 eyes during the whole of the narration39, which, when I had finished, she recompensed me for my trouble with the most endearing protestations of eternal love. She bewailed her restricted condition, as it was the means of retarding40 my happiness; told me that Lord Quiverwit, by her brother’s permission, had been to drink tea with her that very afternoon, and actually proposed marriage; and, seeing me extremely affected41 with this piece of information, offered to give me a convincing proof of her affection, by espousing42 me in private, and leaving the rest to fate. I was penetrated43 with this instance of her regard, but, that I might not be outdone in generosity44, resisted the bewitching temptation in consideration of her honour and interest; at the same time I presented my ring as a pledge of my inviolable attachment45, and, on my knees, implored46 Heaven to shower its curses on my head, if ever my heart should entertain one thought unworthy of the passion I then avowed48. She received my token, gave me in return her picture in miniature, exquisitely49 drawn50 and set in gold; and, in the same posture51, called Heaven to witness and to judge her flame. Our vows52 being thus reciprocally breathed, a confidence of hope ensued, and our mutual53 fondness becoming as intimate as innocence54 would allow, I grew insensible of the progress of time, and it was morning before I could tear myself from this darling of my soul! My good angel foresaw what would happen, and permitted me to indulge myself on this occasion, in consideration of the fatal absence I was doomed55 to suffer.
I went to bed immediately on my return to my lodging56, and, having slept about two hours, was waked by Strap57, who in great confusion told me there was a footman below with a letter, which he would deliver to nobody but myself. Alarmed at this piece of news, I desired my friend to show him into my chamber58, and received the following letter, which, he said, required an immediate14 answer:
“Sir, —
When any man injures my honour, let the difference of rank between us be ever so great, I am contented59 to wave the privilege of my quality, and to seek reparation from him on equal terms. The insolence60 of your reply to me yesterday, in the Long Room, I might have overlooked, had not your presumptive emulation61 in a much more interesting affair, and which I made this morning, concurred62 in persuading me to chastise63 your audacity64 with my sword. If you therefore have spirit enough to support the character you assume, you will not fail to follow the bearer immediately to a convenient place, where you shall be met by
“Quiverwit.”
Whether I was enervated65 by the love and favour of Narcissa, or awed66 by the superior station of my antagonist67, I know not, but I never had less inclination68 to fight than at this time. However, finding there was a necessity for vindicating69 the reputation of my mistress, as well as for asserting my own honour, I forthwith rose, and, dressing70 in a hurry, put on my sword, bade Strap attend me, and set out with my conductor, cursing my bad fortune all the way, for having been observed in my return from my angel; for so I interpreted his lordship’s discovery. When I came within sight of my rival, his lacquey told me he had orders to stop; upon which I commanded Strap to halt also, while I walked forward; resolving, if possible, to come to an explanation with my challenger, before we should come to battle. Nor was an opportunity wanting; for I no sooner approached than be asked, with a stern countenance71, what business I had in Mr. Topehall’s garden so early in the morning? “I don’t know, my lord,” said I, “how to answer a question put to me with such magisterial72 haughtiness73. If your lordship will please to expostulate calmly, you will have no cause to repent74 of your condescension75; otherwise I am not to be intimated into any confession76.” “There is no room for denial,” answered he; “I saw you come out with my own eyes.” “Did any other see me?” said I. “I neither know nor care,” said he; “I want no other evidence than that of my own senses.” Pleased to hear that the suspicion was confined to him alone, I endeavoured to appease77 his jealousy78, by owning an intrigue79 with the waiting maid: but he had too much discernment to be so easily imposed upon, and told me there was only one way to convince him of the truth of what I alleged80, which was no other than renouncing81 all claim to Narcissa upon oath, and promising82, upon honour, never to speak to her for the future. Exasperated83 at this proposal, I unsheathed my sword, saying, “Heavens! what title have you, or any man on earth, to impose such terms on me?” He did the same, and making towards me with a contracted brow, said I was a villain84, and had dishonoured85 Narcissa. “He’s a villain,” I replied, in a transport of fury, “who brands me with that imputation86! She is a thousand times more chaste87 than the mother that bore you; and I will assert her honour with my heart’s blood!” So saying, I rushed upon him with more eagerness than address, and, endeavouring to get within his point, received a wound in my neck, which redoubled my rage. He excelled me in temper as well as in skill, by which means he parried my thrusts with great calmness, until I had almost exhausted88 my spirits; and, when he perceived me beginning to flag, attacked me fiercely in his turn. Finding himself, however, better opposed than he expected, he resolved to follow his lounge, and close with me; accordingly, his sword entered my waistcoat, on the side of the breast bone, and, running up between my shirt and skin, appeared over my left shoulder. I imagined that his weapon had perforated my lungs, and of consequence that the wound was mortal; therefore, determined89 not to die unrevenged, I seized his shell, which was close to my breast, before he could disentangle his point, and, keeping it fast with my left hand, shortened my own sword with my right, intending to run him through the heart; but he received the thrust in the left arm, which penetrated up to the shoulder blade. Disappointed at this expectation, and afraid still that death would frustrate90 my revenge, I grappled with him, and, being much the stronger, threw him upon the ground, where I wrested91 his sword out of his hand, and, so great was my confusion, that instead of turning the point upon him, struck out three of his foreteeth with the hilt. In the meantime, our servants, seeing us fall, ran up to separate and assist us; but before their approach I was upon my feet, and had discovered that my supposed mortal wound was only a slight scratch. The knowledge of my own safety disarmed92 me of a good deal of my resentment, and I began to inquire with soma concern into the situation of my antagonist, who remained on the ground bleeding plentifully93 at his mouth and arm. I helped his footman to raise him, and, having bound up his wound with my handkerchief, assured it was not dangerous; I likewise restored his sword, and offered to support him to his house. He thanked me with an air of sullen94 dignity: and whispering that I should hear from him soon, went away, leaning on his servant’s shoulder.
I was surprised at this promise, which I construed95 into a threat, and resolved, if ever he should call me out again, to use whatever advantage fortune might give me over him in another manner. In the meantime I had leisure to take notice of Strap, who seemed quite stupified with horror: I comforted him with an assurance, that I had received no damage, and explained the nature of this affair as we walked homeward. By the time I had got into my apartment, I found the wound in my neck stiff and uneasy, and a good deal of clotted96 blood ran down upon my shirt; upon which I pulled off my coat and waistcoat, and unbuttoned my collar, that I might dress it with more ease. My friend no sooner perceived my shirt quite dyed with blood, than, imagining I had got at least twenty thousand wounds, he cried, “O Jesus!” and fell flat on the floor. I stopped the bleeding with a little dry lint97, and, applying a plaster over it, cleaned myself from the gore98, shifted, and dressed, while he lay senseless at my feet, so that when he recovered, and saw me perfectly99 well, he could scarce believe his own eyes. Now that the danger was passed, I was very well pleased with what had happened, hoping that it would soon become known, and consequently dignify100 my character not a little in this place. I was also proud of having shown myself, in some shape, worthy47 of the love of Narcissa. who, I was persuaded, would. not think the worse of me for what I had done.
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affront
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| n./v.侮辱，触怒 | |
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squire
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| n.护卫, 侍从, 乡绅 | |
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rebuke
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| v.指责，非难，斥责 [反]praise | |
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malice
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| n.恶意，怨恨，蓄意；[律]预谋 | |
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sarcasm
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| n.讥讽，讽刺，嘲弄，反话 （adj.sarcastic） | |
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vow
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| n.誓(言)，誓约；v.起誓，立誓 | |
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vanquish
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| v.征服，战胜；克服；抑制 | |
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resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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subscription
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| n.预订，预订费，亲笔签名，调配法，下标（处方） | |
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disturbance
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| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
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bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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peremptory
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| adj.紧急的，专横的，断然的 | |
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impudent
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| adj.鲁莽的，卑鄙的，厚颜无耻的 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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accosted
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| v.走过去跟…讲话( accost的过去式和过去分词 )；跟…搭讪；（乞丐等）上前向…乞讨；（妓女等）勾搭 | |
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cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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presumption
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| n.推测，可能性，冒昧，放肆，[法律]推定 | |
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scurrilous
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| adj.下流的，恶意诽谤的 | |
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darting
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的现在分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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veracity
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| n.诚实 | |
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honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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prosecute
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| vt.告发；进行；vi.告发，起诉，作检察官 | |
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piqued
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| v.伤害…的自尊心( pique的过去式和过去分词 )；激起（好奇心） | |
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pusillanimous
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| adj.懦弱的，胆怯的 | |
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enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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sneer
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| v.轻蔑；嘲笑；n.嘲笑，讥讽的言语 | |
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nettled
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| v.拿荨麻打，拿荨麻刺（nettle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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equivocation
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| n.模棱两可的话，含糊话 | |
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repartee
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| n.机敏的应答 | |
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banish
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| vt.放逐，驱逐；消除，排除 | |
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shunned
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| v.避开，回避，避免( shun的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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mortification
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| n.耻辱，屈辱 | |
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ruby
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| n.红宝石，红宝石色 | |
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sketches
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| n.草图( sketch的名词复数 )；素描；速写；梗概 | |
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improper
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| adj.不适当的，不合适的，不正确的，不合礼仪的 | |
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recital
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| n.朗诵，独奏会，独唱会 | |
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trickle
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| vi.淌，滴，流出，慢慢移动，逐渐消散 | |
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enchanting
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| a.讨人喜欢的 | |
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narration
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| n.讲述，叙述；故事；记叙体 | |
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retarding
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| 使减速( retard的现在分词 )； 妨碍； 阻止； 推迟 | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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espousing
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| v.（决定）支持，拥护（目标、主张等）( espouse的现在分词 ) | |
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penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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generosity
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| n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为 | |
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attachment
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| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
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implored
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| 恳求或乞求（某人）( implore的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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avowed
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| adj.公开声明的，承认的v.公开声明，承认( avow的过去式和过去分词) | |
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exquisitely
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| adv.精致地；强烈地；剧烈地；异常地 | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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posture
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| n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势 | |
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vows
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| 誓言( vow的名词复数 )； 郑重宣布，许愿 | |
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mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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lodging
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| n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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strap
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| n.皮带，带子；v.用带扣住，束牢；用绷带包扎 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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insolence
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| n.傲慢；无礼；厚颜；傲慢的态度 | |
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emulation
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| n.竞争；仿效 | |
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concurred
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| 同意（concur的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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chastise
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| vt.责骂，严惩 | |
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audacity
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| n.大胆，卤莽，无礼 | |
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enervated
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| adj.衰弱的，无力的v.使衰弱，使失去活力( enervate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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awed
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| adj.充满敬畏的，表示敬畏的v.使敬畏，使惊惧( awe的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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antagonist
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| n.敌人，对抗者，对手 | |
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inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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vindicating
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| v.澄清（某人/某事物）受到的责难或嫌疑( vindicate的现在分词 )；表明或证明（所争辩的事物）属实、正当、有效等；维护 | |
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dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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magisterial
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| adj.威风的，有权威的；adv.威严地 | |
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haughtiness
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| n.傲慢；傲气 | |
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repent
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| v.悔悟，悔改，忏悔，后悔 | |
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condescension
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| n.自以为高人一等，贬低(别人) | |
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confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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appease
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| v.安抚，缓和，平息，满足 | |
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jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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intrigue
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| vt.激起兴趣，迷住；vi.耍阴谋；n.阴谋，密谋 | |
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alleged
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| a.被指控的，嫌疑的 | |
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81
renouncing
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| v.声明放弃( renounce的现在分词 )；宣布放弃；宣布与…决裂；宣布摒弃 | |
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82
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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83
exasperated
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| adj.恼怒的 | |
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84
villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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85
dishonoured
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| a.不光彩的，不名誉的 | |
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86
imputation
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| n.归罪，责难 | |
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87
chaste
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| adj.贞洁的；有道德的；善良的；简朴的 | |
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exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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90
frustrate
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| v.使失望；使沮丧；使厌烦 | |
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wrested
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| （用力）拧( wrest的过去式和过去分词 )； 费力取得； （从…）攫取； （ 从… ） 强行取去… | |
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92
disarmed
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| v.裁军( disarm的过去式和过去分词 )；使息怒 | |
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plentifully
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| adv. 许多地，丰饶地 | |
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sullen
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| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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construed
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| v.解释（陈述、行为等）( construe的过去式和过去分词 )；翻译，作句法分析 | |
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clotted
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| adj.凝结的v.凝固( clot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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lint
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| n.线头；绷带用麻布，皮棉 | |
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98
gore
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| n.凝血，血污；v.（动物）用角撞伤，用牙刺破；缝以补裆；顶 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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dignify
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| vt.使有尊严；使崇高；给增光 | |
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