I never slept better, or awoke more refreshed. The next morning I packed
up my portmanteau, taking with me only the most necessary articles; all
the details of the toilet, further than cleanliness was concerned, I
abjured. When Timothy came in, I told him that I was going down to Lady
de Clare's, which I intended to do. Poor Timothy was overjoyed at the
change in my manner, little thinking that he was so soon to lose me--for,
reader, I had made up my mind that I would try my fortunes alone; and,
painful as I felt would be the parting with so valued a friend, I was
determined that I would no longer have even his assistance or company.
I was determined to forget all that had passed, and commence the world
anew. I sat down while Timothy went out to take a place in the Richmond
coach, and wrote to him the following letter:--
My Dear Timothy,--Do not think that I undervalue your friendship,
or shall ever forget your regard for me, when I tell you that we
shall probably never meet again. Should fortune favour me, I
trust we shall--but of that there is little prospect. I have lost
almost everything: my money is all gone, my house is sold, and
all is gambled away. I leave you, with only my clothes in my
portmanteau and twenty pounds. For yourself, there is the
furniture, which you must sell, as well as every other article
left behind. It is all yours, and I hope you will find means to
establish yourself in some way. God bless you--and believe me
always and gratefully yours,
"Japhet Newland."
This letter I reserved to put in the post when I quitted Richmond. My
next letter was to Mr Masterton.
"Sir,--Your note I received, and I am afraid that, unwittingly,
you have been the occasion of my present condition. That I did
not deserve the language addressed to me, you may satisfy
yourself by applying to Mr Harcourt. Driven to desperation, I
have lost all I had in the world, by adding gaming to my many
follies. I now am about to seek my fortune, and prosecute my
search after my father. You will, therefore, return my most
sincere acknowledgments to Lord Windermear, for his kind offers
and intentions, and assure him that my feelings towards him will
always be those of gratitude and respect. For yourself, accept my
warmest thanks for the friendly advice and kind interest which
you have shown in my welfare, and believe me, when I say, that my
earnest prayers shall be offered up for your happiness. If you
can, in any way, assist my poor friend, Timothy, who will, I have
no doubt, call upon you in his distress, you will confer an
additional favour on,"
"Yours, ever gratefully,"
"Japhet Newland."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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