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.”

I sealed this letter, and when Timothy returned, I told him that I wished him, after my departure, to take it to Mr Masterton’s, and not wait for an answer.  I then, as I had an hour to spare, before the coach started, entered into a conversation with Timothy.  I pointed out to him the unfortunate condition in which I found myself, and my determination to quit the metropolis.