" exclaimed Mr Cophagus, as I burst
into the room, my countenance lighted up with excitement.

"Read that, sir," said I to Mr Cophagus.

Mr Cophagus read it. "Hum--bad news--lose Japhet--man of fashion--and
so on," said Cophagus, pointing out the paragraph to his wife, as he
handed over the paper.

In the mean time I watched the countenance of Susannah--a slight
emotion, but instantly checked, was visible at Mr Cophagus's remark.
She then remained quiet until her sister, who had read the paragraph,
handed the paper to her. "I give thee joy, Japhet, at the prospect of
finding out thy parent," said Mrs Cophagus. "I trust thou wilt find in
him one who is to be esteemed as a man. When departest thou?"

"Immediately," replied I.

"I cannot blame thee--the ties of nature are ever powerful. I trust
that thou wilt write to us, and that we soon shall see thee return."

"Yes, yes," said Cophagus, "see father--shake hands--come back--heh!--
settle here--and so on."

"I shall not be altogether my own master, perhaps," observed I. "If my
father desires that I remain with him, must not I obey? But I know
nothing at present. You shall hear from me. Timothy can take my place
in the--" I could not bear the idea of the word shop, and I stopped.
Susannah, for the first time, looked me earnestly in the face, but she
said nothing. Mr and Mrs Cophagus, who probably had been talking over
the subject of our conversation, and thought this a good opportunity to
allow me to have an _eclaircissement_ with Susannah, left the room,
saying they 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 th