Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/126

 with partiality. Having dressed myself to the best advantage, I waited for the time of dinner with the utmost impatience. At last Mr. Freeman called at my lodgings in his way, and I accompanied him to the house where all my happiness was deposited.—We were kindly received by the Squire, who sat smoking his pipe in the parlour, and asked if we chose to drink any thing before dinner. Though I never had more occasion for a cordial, I was ashamed to accept his offer. t last, a servant gave notice that dinner was upon the table. When I entered the dining-room, the first object that saluted my ravished eyes was the divine Narcissa, blushing like Aurora, adorned with all the graces that meekness, innocence, and beauty can diffuse! I was seized with a giddiness, my knees tottered, and I scarce had strength enough to perform the ceremony of salutation, when her brother slapping me on the shoulder cried, Measter Random, that there is my sister. I approached her with eagerness and fear; but in the moment of our embrace, my soul was agonized with rapture. As I had the happiness of sitting opposite to her, I feasted my eyes much more than my palate, which she tempted in vain with the most delicate bits carved by her fair hand, and recommended by her persuasive tongue. Dinner was scarce ended, when the Squire became very drowsy, and after several ful