Page:Adventures of Roderick Random.pdf/79

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creature was incensed at his rude behaviour, but he lost all regard for decency, and actually offered violence, when I accidentally passed near the place. What were the emotions of my soul, when I beheld Narcissa almost sunk beneath the brutal force of this satyr—I flew to her rescue—He drew his hanger to chastise my presumptions. My indignation was too high to admit one thought of fear, so rushing upon him. I struck his weapon out of his hand and used my cudgel so successfully that he fell to the ground—I then returned to Narcissa who had swooned, and sitting down by her gently raised her head, and supported it on my bosom. My soul was so thrilled with tumultuous joy, that I could not forbear ravishing a kiss. On recovering, she said, with a look of tender acknowledgment, Dear John, I am eternally obliged to you. So saying, she made an effort to rise, in which I assisted her, and she proceeded to the house, leaning upon me all the way. I was a thousand times tempted by this opportunity to declare my passion, but the dread of disobliging her restrained my tongue. Sir Timothy I saw get up and move homewards. I was filled with a just apprehension of his resentment, especially when I considered his intimacy with our Squire. When we arrived at the house, Narcissa assured me she would exert all her influence in protecting me form the revenge

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