le, be guilty of direct deceit; that is to say, I would not take
advantage of my supposed wealth, to marry a young person of large
fortune. I would state myself a beggar, and gain her affections as a
beggar. A woman can have little confidence in a man who deceives her
before marriage."

"Your secret will always be safe with me, Mr Newland; you have a right
to demand it. I am glad to hear the sentiments which you have expressed;
they are not founded, perhaps, upon the strictest code of morality; but
there are many who profess more who do not act up to so much. Still, I
wish you would think in what way I may be able to serve you, for your
life at present is useless and unprofitable, and may tend to warp still
more, ideas which are not quite so strict as they ought to be."

"My lord, I have but one object in allowing the world to continue in
their error relative to my means, which is, that it procures for me an
entrance into that society in which I have a moral conviction that I
shall find my father. I have but one pursuit, one end to attain, which
is, to succeed in that search. I return you a thousand thanks for your
kind expressions and good-will; but I cannot, at present, avail myself
of them. I beg your lordship's pardon, but did you ever meet the lady
with the ear-rings?"

Lord Windermear smiled. "Really, Mr Newland, you are a very strange
person; not content with finding out your own parents, you must also be
searching after other people's; not that I do not commend your conduct
in this instance; but I'm afraid, in running after shadows, you are too
indifferent to the substance."

"Ah, my lord! it is very well for you to argue who have had a father and
mother, and never felt the want of them; but if you knew how my heart
yearns after my parents, you would not be surprised at my perseverance."

"I am surprised at nothing in this world, Mr Newland; every one pursues
happiness in his own way; your happiness appears to be centred in one
feeling, and you are only acting as the world does in general; but
recollect that the search after happiness ends in disappointment."

"I grant it but too often does, my lord; but there is pleasure in the
chase," replied I.

"Well, go, and may you prosper. All I can say is this, Mr Newland, do
not have that false pride not to apply to me when you need assistance.
Recollect, it is much better to be under an obligation, if such you will
consider it, than to do that which is wrong; an