e not twenty-three years of age," replied Mr
Masterton, "and you have made two sincere friends, both powerful in
their own way. I mean Lord Windermear and myself: and you have had the
pleasure of making others happy. Believe me, that is much to have
accomplished at so early an age. You have much to live for--live to
gain more friends--live to gain reputation--live to do good--to be
grateful for the benefits you have received, and to be humble when
chastened by Providence. You have yet to learn where, and only where,
true happiness is to be found. Since you are so much out of spirits, go
down to Lady de Clare's, see her happiness, and that of her little girl;
and then, when you reflect that it was your own 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."

PART TWO, CHAPTER TWENTY EI