GHT.

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 the
kind soothing of a woman was peculiarly grateful, and after a sojourn of
three days, I took my leave, with my mind much less depressed than when
I arrived.

On my return, I called upon Mr Masterton, who stated to me that Lord
Windermear was anxious to serve me, and that he would exert his interest
in any way which might be most congenial to my feelings; that he would
procure me a commission in the army, or a writership to India; or, if I
preferred it, I might study the law under the auspices of Mr Masterton.
If none of these propositions suited me, I might state what would be
preferred, and that, as far as his interest and pecuniary assistance
could avail, I might depend on it. "So now, Japhet, you may go home and
reflect seriously upon these offers; and when you have made up your mind
what course you will steer, you have only to let me know."

I returned my thanks to Mr Masterton, and begged that he would convey
my grateful acknowledgments to his lordship. As I walked home, I met a
Captain Atkinson, a man of very doubtful character, whom, by the advice
of Carbonnell, I had always kept at a distance. He had lost a large
fortune by gambling, and having been pigeoned, had, as is usual, ended
by becoming a _rook_. He was a fashionable, well-looking man, of good
family, suffered in society, for he had found out that it was necessary
to hold his position by main force. He was a noted duellist, had killed
his three or four men, and a cut direct from any person was, with him,
sufficient grounds for sending a friend. Everybody was civil to him,
because no one wished to quarrel with him.

"My dear Mr Newland," said he, offering his hand, "I am delighted to
see you; I have heard at the clubs