[The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith]@TWC D-Link bookThe Vicar of Wakefield CHAPTER 31 16/21
That there 'Squire of renown, for whom I have a great friendship, but that's between ourselves, as often employed me in doing odd little things for him. Among the rest, he commissioned me to procure him a false licence and a false priest, in order to deceive this young lady.
But as I was very much his friend, what did I do but went and got a true licence and a true priest, and married them both as fast as the cloth could make them. Perhaps you'll think it was generosity that made me do all this.
But no. To my shame I confess it, my only design was to keep the licence and let the 'Squire know that I could prove it upon him whenever I thought proper, and so make him come down whenever I wanted money.' A burst of pleasure now seemed to fill the whole apartment; our joy reached even to the common room, where the prisoners themselves sympathized, -- And shook their chains In transport and rude harmony. Happiness was expanded upon every face, and even Olivia's cheek seemed flushed with pleasure.
To be thus restored to reputation, to friends and fortune at once, was a rapture sufficient to stop the progress of decay and restore former health and vivacity.
But perhaps among all there was not one who felt sincerer pleasure than I.Still holding the dear-loved child in my arms, I asked my heart if these transports were not delusion.
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