work, you will hardly say that you have
lived in vain." I was too much overpowered to speak. After a pause, Mr
Masterton continued, "When did you see them last?"

"I have never seen them, sir, since I was with you at their meeting."

"What! have you not called--now nearly two months? Japhet, you are wrong;
they will be hurt at your neglect and want of kindness. Have you written
or heard from them?"

"I have received one or two pressing invitations, sir; but I have not been
in a state of mind to avail myself of their politeness."

"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."

Chapter LII

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