!--odd, I know what! go thy ways, poor
Narcissa, and go thy ways somebody else--well--Lord, what a thing is
love! God help us! are all our mad pranks and protestations come to
this? And have you fixed your habitation in this distant land? God
prosper you--I find we must part at last--for I would not leave my poor
carcase so far from my native home, for all the wealth of the universe!"
With these ejaculations, he began to sob and make wry faces; upon which
I assured him of his mistake, both in regard to my staying in Paraguay,
and informed him, as briefly as I could, of the great event that had
happened. Never was rapture more ludicrously expressed than in the
behaviour of this worthy creature, who cried, laughed, whistled, sung,
and danced, all in a breath. His transport was scarce over, when my
father entered, who no sooner understood that this was Strap, than he
took him by the hand, saying, "Is this the honest man who befriended you
so much in your distress? You are welcome to my house, and I will soon
put it in the power of my son to reward you for your good offices in
his behalf; in the meantime go with us and partake of the repast that is
provided." Strap, wild as he was with joy, would by no means accept
of the proffered honour, crying, "God forbid! I know my distance--your
worship shall excuse me." And Don Rodrigo, finding his modesty
invincible, recommended him to his major-domo, to be treated with the
utmost respect; while he carried me in a large saloon, where I was
presented to a numerous company, who loaded me with compliments and
caresses, and congratulated my father in terms not proper for me to
repeat.

Without specifying the particulars of our entertainment, let it
suffice to say, it was at the same time elegant and sumptuous, and
the rejoicings lasted two days; after which, Don Rodrigo settled his
affairs, converted his effects into silver and gold, visited and
took leave of all his friends, who were grieved at his departure, and
honoured me with considerable presents; and, coming on board of my
uncle's ship, with the first fair wind we sailed from the Rio de la
Plata, and in two months came safe to an anchor in the harbour of
Kingston, in the Island of Jamaica.

CHAPTER LXVII

I visit my old Friend Thompson--we set sail for Europe--meet with an odd
Adventure--arrive in England--I ride across the Country from Portsmouth
to Sussex--converse with Mrs. Sagely, who informs me of Narcissa's
being