Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/82

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to London. This objection I soon removed, by putting five guineas into his hands but could not prevail on him to accept of more than two. He then proposed that we should have a mess of something. for it has been, said he, banian-day with me a great while; nor have I broke bread these two days.—I was shocked at the extremity of his distress, and ordered some bread. cheese, and wine, to be brought immediately, to allay his hunger, until a fricassee of chickens could be prepared. When our repast was ended we walked down to the harbour. where we found a cutter that was to sail for Deal in the evening, and Mr. Bowling agrees for his passage; and being sensible of my forlorn condition, pressed me to accompany him. However, I refused, and determined to stay in France. I was confirmed in this resolution by a reverend priest who overhearing us speak English as he passed by accosted us in the same language, telling us he was our countryman and wished it might be in his power to do us any service. We thanked this grave person for his courteous offer, and invited him to drink a glass of wine, which he accepted. In the course of our conversation, I disclosed my condition without reserve and displayed my talents to such advantage, that the old father assured me, that if I staid in France I could not fail to make my fortune, to which he would contribute all in his power.

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