father; and, as soon as that was done, I would call
upon Lord Windermear, who would quickly effect what I desired. The next
morning I was ready at nine o'clock, and set off with post horses, with
Mr Masterton, in his own carriage. I told him what had occurred the day
before, and how disgusted I was at my reception.

"Upon my word, Japhet, I think you are wrong," replied the old gentleman;
"and if you had not told me of your affection for Miss Temple, to see
whom, by-the-bye, I confess to be one of the chief motives of my going
down with you, I should almost suppose that you were blinded by jealousy.
Does it not occur to you, that, if Mr Harcourt was admitted to the
ladies at such an early hour, there is preference shown him in that
quarter? And now I recollect that I heard something about it. Harcourt's
elder brother died, and he's come into the property, and I heard somebody
say that he would in all probability succeed in gaining the handsomest
girl in London, with a large fortune--that it was said to be a match.
Now, if such be the case, and you broke in upon a quiet reunion between
two young people about to be united, almost without announcement, and so
unexpectedly, after a lapse of so long a time, surely you cannot be
surprised at there being a degree of confusion and restraint--more
especially after what had passed between Harcourt and you. Depend upon
it, that was the cause of it. Had Lady de Clare and her daughter been
alone, your reception would have been very different; indeed, Cecilia's
following you down stairs, proves that it was not from coolness towards
you; and Harcourt calling upon you, and the conversation which took
place, is another proof that you have been mistaken."

"I never viewed it in that light, certainly, sir," observed I. "I merely
perceived that I was considered intrusive, and finding in the company one
who had treated me ill, and had been my antagonist in the field, I
naturally supposed that he had prejudiced them against me. I hope I may
be wrong; but I have seen so much of the world, young as I am, that I
have become very suspicious."

"Then discard suspicion as fast as you can, it will only make you
unhappy, and not prevent your being deceived. If you are suspicious,
you will have the constant fear of deception hanging over you, which
poisons existence."

After these remarks I remained silent for some time; I was analysing my
own feelings, and I felt that I had acted in a very absur