“There is but one inducement, sir, for me to wish that the world may still deceive themselves.  I may be thrown out of society, and lose the opportunity of discovering my parents.”

“And pray, Mr Newland, which do you think is more likely to tend to the discovery, a general knowledge that you are a foundling in search of your parents, or your present method, of taxing everybody upon suspicion.  If your parents wish to reclaim you, they will then have their eyes directed towards you, from your position being known; and I will add, there are few parents who will not be proud of you as a son.  You will have the patronage of Lord Windermear, which will always secure you a position in society, and the good wishes of all, although, I grant, that such worldly people as Lady Maelstrom may strike your name off their porter’s list.  You will, moreover, have the satisfaction of knowing that the friends which you make have not been made under false colours and appearances, and a still further satisfaction, arising from a good conscience.”

“I am convinced, sir, and I thank you for your advice.  I will now be guided by you in everything.”

“Give me your hand, my good lad, I now will be your friend to the utmost of my power.”

“I only wish, sir,” replied I, much affected, “that you were also my father.”

“Thank you for the wish, as it implies that you have a good opinion of me.  What do you mean to do?”

“I have promised my friend Mr Harcourt to go down with him to his father’s.”

“Well?”

“And before I go I will undeceive him.”

“You are right; you will then find whether he is a friend to you or to your supposed ten thousand pounds per annum.  I have been reflecting, and I am not aware that anything else can be done at present than acknowledging to the world who you really are, which is more likely to tend to the discovery of your parents than any other means, but at the same time I shall not be idle.  All we lawyers have among us strange secrets, and among my fraternity, to whom I shall speak openly, I think it possible that something may be found out which may serve as a clue.  Do not be annoyed at being cut by many, when your history is known; those who cut you are those whose acquaintance and friendship are not worth having; it will unmask your flatterers from your friends, and you will not repent of your having been honest; in the end, it is the best policy, even in a worldly point of view.  Come to me as often as you please; I am always at home to you, and always your friend.”

Such was the result of my dinner with Mr Masterton, which I narrated to Timothy as soon as I returned home.  “Well, Japhet, I think you have found a real friend in Mr Masterton, and I am glad that you have decided upon following his advice.  As for me, I am not under false colours, I am in my right situation, and wish no more.”