“Politeness! you are wrong—all wrong,
Japhet. Your mind is cankered, or you never would
have used that term. I thought you were composed
of better materials; but it appears, that although
you can sail with a fair wind, you cannot buffet against
an adverse gale. Because you are no longer fooled
and flattered by the interested and the designing,
like many others, you have quarrelled with the world.
Is it not so?”
“Perhaps you are right, sir.”
“I know that I am right, and that you are wrong.
Now I shall be seriously displeased if you do not
go down and see Lady de Clare and her daughter, as
soon as you can.”
“I will obey your orders, sir.”
“My wishes, Japhet, not my orders. Let
me see you when you return. You must no longer
be idle. Consider, that you are about to recommence
your career in life; that hitherto you have pursued
the wrong path, from which you have nobly returned.
You must prepare for exertions, and learn to trust
to God and a good conscience. Lord Windermear
and I had a long conversation relative to you yesterday
evening; and when you come back, I will detail to
you what are our views respecting your future advantage.”
A new character appears,
but not a very amiable one; but I attach
myself to him, as drowning
men catch at straws.
I took my leave, more composed in mind, and the next
day I went down to Lady de Clare’s. I was
kindly received, more than kindly, I was affectionately
and parentally received by the mother, and by Cecilia
as a dear brother; but they perceived my melancholy,
and when they had upbraided me for my long neglect,
they inquired the cause. As I had already made
Lady de Clare acquainted with my previous history,
I had no secrets; in fact, it was a consolation to
confide my griefs to them. Lord Windermear was
too much above me—Mr Masterton was too
matter-of-fact—Timothy was too inferior—and
they were all men; but the kind soothing of a woman
was peculiarly grateful, and after a sojourn of three
days, I took my leave, with my mind much less depressed
than when I arrived.
On my return, I called upon Mr Masterton, who stated
to me that Lord Windermear was anxious to serve me,
and that he would exert his interest in any way which
might be most congenial to my feelings; that he would
procure me a commission in the army, or a writership
to India; or, if I preferred it, I might study the
law under the auspices of Mr Masterton. If none
of these propositions suited me, I might state what
would be preferred, and that, as far as his interest
and pecuniary assistance could avail, I might depend
upon it. “So now, Japhet, you may go home
and reflect seriously upon these offers; and when you
have made up your mind what course you will steer,
you have only to let me know.”
