if I could but discover the
authors of my existence."--I then bowed low to the governors, and
quitted the room.

Chapter XXXVIII

Mischief brewing--Timothy and I set our wits to work, and he
resumes his old profession of a gipsy.

I hastened home with feelings too painful to be described. I had a
soreness at my heart, an oppression on my spirits, which weighed me
down. I had but one wish--that I was dead. I had already imparted to
Harcourt the history of my life, and when I came in, I threw myself upon
the sofa in despair, and relieved my agonised heart with a flood of
tears. As soon as I could compose myself, I stated what had occurred.

"My dear Newland, although it has been an unfortunate occurrence in
itself, I do not see that you have so much cause to grieve, for you have
this satisfaction, that it appears there has been a wish to reclaim
you."

"Yes," replied I, "I grant that, but have they not been told, and have
they not believed, that I have been ignominiously punished for a capital
crime? Will they ever seek me more?"

"Probably not; you must now seek them. What I should recommend is, that
you repair to-morrow to the apothecary's shop, and interrogate relative
to the person who called to make inquiries after you. If you will allow
me, I will go with you."

"And be insulted by those malignant scoundrels?"

"They dare not insult you. As an apothecary's apprentice they would, but
as a gentleman they will quail; and if they do not, their master will
most certainly be civil, and give you all the information which he can.
We may as well, however, not do things by halves; I will borrow my
aunt's carriage for the morning, and we will go in style."

"I think I will call this evening upon Mr Masterton, and ask his
advice."

"Ask him to accompany us, Newland, and he will frighten them with libel,
and defamation of character."

I called upon Mr Masterton, that evening, and told my story. "It is
indeed very provoking, Newland; but keep your courage up, I will go with
you to-morrow, and will see what we can make of it. At what time do you
propose to start?"

"Will it suit you, sir, if we call at one o'clock?"

"Yes; so good-night, my boy, for I have something here which I must
contrive to get through before that time."

Harcourt had procured the carriage, and we picked up Mr Masterton at the
hour agreed, and proceeded to Smithfield. When we drove up to the door
of Mr Pleggit's shop, the