The Adventures of Roderick Random by Tobias George Smollett
page 13 of 602 (02%)
page 13 of 602 (02%)
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CHAPTER II I grow up--am hated by my Relations--sent to School--neglected by my Grandfather--maltreated by my Master--seasoned to Adversity--I form Cabals against the Pedant--am debarred Access to my Grandfather--hunted by his Heir--I demolish the Teeth of his Tutor There were not wanting some who suspected my uncles of being concerned in my father's fate, on the supposition that they would all share in the patrimony destined for him; and this conjecture was strengthened by reflecting that in all his calamities they never discovered the least inclination to serve him; but, on the contrary, by all the artifices in their power, fed his resentment and supported his resolution of leaving him to misery and want. But people of judgment treated this insinuation as an idle chimera; because, had my relations been so wicked as to consult their interest by committing such an atrocious crime, the fate of my father would have extended to me too whose life was another obstacle to their expectation. Meanwhile, I grew apace, and as I strongly resembled my father, who was the darling of the tenants, I wanted nothing which their indigent circumstances could afford: but their favour was a weak resource against the jealous enmity of my cousins; who the more my infancy promised, conceived the more implacable hatred against me: and before I was six years of age, had so effectually blockaded my grandfather that I never saw him but by stealth, when |
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