hey would look after my portmanteau and linen. "Susannah," said
I, "you do not appear to rejoice with me."

"Japhet Newland, I will rejoice at everything that may tend to thy
happiness, believe me; but I do not feel assured but that this trial may
prove too great, and that thou mayst fall away. Indeed, I perceive even
now that thou art excited with new ideas, and visions of pride."

"If I am wrong, forgive me. Susannah, you must know that the whole object
of my existence has been to find my father; and now that I have every
reason to suppose that my wish is obtained, can you be surprised, or
can you blame me, that I long to be pressed in his arms?"

"Nay, Japhet, for that filial feeling I do commend thee; but ask thy own
heart, is that the only feeling which now exciteth thee? Dost thou not
expect to find thy father one high in rank and power? Dost thou not
anticipate to join once more the world which thou hast quitted, yet still
hast sighed for? Dost thou not already feel contempt for thy honest
profession:--nay, more, dost thou not only long to cast off the plain
attire, and not only the attire, but the sect which in thy adversity
thou didst embrace the tenets of? Ask thy own heart, and reply if thou
wilt, but I press thee not so to do; for the truth would be painful,
and a lie, thou knowest, I do utterly abhor."

I felt that Susannah spoke the truth, and I would not deny it. I sat down
by her. "Susannah," said I, "it is not very easy to change at once. I
have mixed for years in the world, with you I have not yet lived two. I
will not deny but that the feelings you have expressed have risen in my
heart, but I will try to repress them; at least, for your sake, Susannah,
I would try to repress them, for I value your opinion more than that of
the whole world. You have the power to do with me as you please:--will
you exert that power?"

"Japhet," replied Susannah, "the faith which is not built upon a more
solid foundation than to win the favour of an erring being like myself
is but weak; that power over thee which thou expectest will fix thee in
the right path, may soon be lost, and what is then to direct thee? If no
purer motives than earthly affection are to be thy stay, most surely thou
wilt fall. But no more of this; thou hast a duty to perform, which is to
go to thy earthly father, and seek his blessing. Nay, more, I would that
thou shouldst once more enter into the world, there thou mayst decide.
Shouldst thou r