ollow up the
object of my search appeared to me only to involve me in difficulties;
and what were the intentions of Cophagus with regard to me, I knew not.
I was hesitating, for I knew not what answer to give, when I perceived
the pensive, deep blue eye of Susannah fixed upon me, watching
attentively, if not eagerly, for my response.

It decided the point. "If," replied I, "you do not think that I should
disgrace you, I should wish to wear the dress of the Society of Friends,
although not yet one of your body."

"But soon to be, I trust," replied Mrs Cophagus.

"Alas!" replied I, "I am an outcast;" and I looked at Susannah Temple.

"Not so, Japhet Newland," replied she, mildly; "I am pleased that thou
hast of thy own accord rejected vain attire. I trust that thou wilt not
find that thou art without friends."

"While I am with you," replied I, addressing myself to them all, "I
consider it my duty to conform to your manners in every way, but
by-and-bye, when I resume my search--"

"And why shouldst thou resume a search which must prove unavailing, and
but leads thee into error and misfortune? I am but young, Japhet Newland,
and not perhaps so able to advise, yet doth it appear to me, that the
search can only be availing when made by those who left thee. When they
wish for you, they will seek thee, but thy seeking them is vain and
fruitless."

"But," replied I, "recollect that inquiries have already been made at the
Foundling, and those who inquired have been sent away disappointed--they
will enquire no more."

"And is a parent's love so trifling, that one disappointment will drive
him from seeking of his child? No, no, Japhet; if thou art yearned for,
thou wilt be found, and fresh inquiries will be made; but thy search is
unavailing, and already hast thou lost much time."

"True, Susannah, thy advice is good," replied Mrs Cophagus; "in following
a shadow Japhet hath much neglected the substance; it is time that thou
shouldst settle thyself, and earn thy livelihood."

"And do thy duty in that path of life to which it hath pleased God to
call thee," continued Susannah, who with Mrs Cophagus walked out of the
room.

Cophagus then took up the conversation, and pointing out the uselessness
of my roving about, and the propriety of my settling in life, proposed
that I should take an apothecary's shop, for which he would furnish the
means, and that he could ensure me the custom of the whole Society of
Friends in Rea