I TRY BACK TO RECOVER THE LOST SCENT, AND DISCOVER TO MY ASTONISHMENT,
THAT I HAVE BEEN TRANSPORTED FOR FORGERY.
The behaviour of Harcourt was certainly a good encouragement, and had I
been wavering in my promise to Mr Masterton, would have encouraged me
to proceed. I returned home with a light heart and a pleasing
satisfaction from the conviction that I had done right. The next
morning I set off for --, and, as it was a long while since I had seen
Fleta, our meeting was a source of delight on both sides. I found her
very much grown and improved. She was approaching her fifteenth year,
as nearly as we could guess--of course her exact age was a mystery. Her
mind was equally expanded. Her mistress praised her docility and
application, and wished to know whether I intended that she should be
taught music and drawing, for both of which she had shown a decided
taste. To this I immediately consented, and Fleta hung on my shoulder
and embraced me for the indulgence. She was now fast approaching to
womanhood, and my feelings towards her were more intense than ever. I
took the chain of coral and gold beads from her neck, telling her that I
must put it into a secure place, as much depended upon them. She was
curious to know why, but I would not enter into the subject at that
time. One caution I gave her, in case, by any chance, her retreat
should be discovered by the companions of Melchior, which was, that
without I myself came, she was, on no account, to leave the school, even
if a letter from me was produced, requesting her to come, unless that
letter was delivered by Timothy. I gave the same directions to her
mistress, paid up her schooling and expenses, and then left her,
promising not to be so long before I saw her again. On my return to
town I deposited the necklace with Mr Masterton, who locked it up
carefully in his iron safe.
On the Friday, as agreed, Harcourt and I, accompanied by Timothy and
Harcourt's servant, started on the outside of the coach, as younger
brothers usually convey themselves, for his father's seat in Blank
shire, and arrived there in time for dinner. I was kindly received by
old Mr Harcourt and his family, consisting of his wife and three
amiable and beautiful girls. But on the second day, during which
interval I presume Harcourt had an opportunity of undeceiving his
father, I was delighted to perceive that the old gentleman's warmth of
behaviour towards me was increased. I remained there for a fortnight,
and never was so happy. I was soon on the most intimate terms with the
whole family, and was treated as if I belonged to it. Yet when I went
to bed every night, I became more and more melancholy. I felt what a
delight it must be to have parents, sisters, and friends--the bosom of a
family to retire into, to share with it your pleasures and your pains;
and the tears often ran down my cheeks, and moistened my pillow, when I
had, not an hour before, been the happiest of the happy, and the gayest
of the gay. In a family party, there is nothing so amusing as any
little talent out of the general way, and my performances and tricks on
cards, etcetera, in which Melchior had made me such an adept, were now
brought forward as a source of innocent gratification. When I quitted,
I had a general and hearty welcome to the house from the parents; and
the eyes of the amiable girls, as well as mine, were not exactly dry, as
we bade each other farewell.
"You told your father, Harcourt, did you not?"
"Yes, and the whole of them, Japhet; and you must acknowledge, that in
their estimation you did not suffer. My father is pleased with our
intimacy, and advises me to cultivate it. To prove to you that I am
anxious so to do, I have a proposal to make. I know your house as well
as you do, and that you have reserved only the first floor for yourself;
but there are two good rooms on the first floor, and you can dispense
with a dressing-room. Suppose we club together. It will be a saving to
us both, as poor Carbonnell said when he took you in."
"With all my heart: I am delighted with the proposal." Harcourt then
stated what it was his intention to offer for his share of the
apartment; the other expenses to be divided, and his servant dismissed.
I hardly need say, that we did not disagree, and before I had been a
week in town, we were living together. My interview with Mr Masterton,
and subsequent events, had made me forget to call on the governors of
the Foundling Hospital, to ascertain whether there had been any
inquiries after me. On my return to town I went there, and finding that
there was a meeting to be held on the next day, I presented myself. I
was introduced into the room where they were assembled.
"You wish to speak with the governors of the Hospital, I understand,"
said the presiding governor.
"Yes, sir," replied I; "I have come to ask whether an inquiry has been
made after one of the inmates of this charity, of the name of Japhet
Newland."
"Japhet Newland!"
"If you recollect, sir, he was bound to an apothecary of the name of
Cophagus, in consequence of some money which was left with him as an
infant, enclosed in a letter, in which it was said that he would be
reclaimed if circumstances permitted."
"I recollect it perfectly well--it is now about six years back. I think
there was some inquiry, was there not, Mr G--?"
"I think that there was, about a year and a half ago; but we will send
for the secretary, and refer to the minutes."
My heart beat quick, and the perspiration bedewed my forehead, when I
heard this intelligence. At last, my emotion was so great, that I felt
faint. "You are ill, sir," said one of the gentlemen; "quick--a glass
of water."
The attendant brought a glass of water, which I drank, and recovered
myself. "You appear to be much interested in this young man's welfare."
"I am, sir," replied I; "no one can be more so."
The secretary now made his appearance with the register, and after
turning over the leaves, read as follows: "August the 16th,--a gentleman
came to inquire after an infant left here, of the name of Japhet, with
whom money had been deposited--Japhet, christened by order of the
governors, Japhet Newland--referred to the shop of Mr Cophagus,
Smithfield Market. He returned the next day, saying that Mr Cophagus
had retired from business--that the parties in the shop knew nothing for
certain, but believed that the said Japhet Newland had been transported
for life for forgery, about a year before."
"Good heavens! what an infamous assertion!" exclaimed I, clasping my
hands.
"On reference back to the calendar, we observed that one J. Newland was
transported for such an offence. Query?"
"It must have been some other person; but this has arisen from the
vindictive feeling of those two scoundrels who served under Pleggit,"
cried I.
"How can you possibly tell, sir?" mildly observed one of the governors.
"How can I tell, sir!" replied I, starting from my chair. "Why, I am
_Japhet Newland_ myself, sir."
"You, sir," replied the governor, surveying my fashionable exterior, my
chains, and bijouterie.
"Yes, sir, I am the Japhet Newland brought up in the asylum, and who was
apprenticed to Mr Cophagus."
"Probably, then, sir," replied the president, "you are the Mr Newland
whose name appears at all the fashionable parties in high life?"
"I believe that I am the same person, sir."
"I wish you joy upon your success in the world, sir. It would not
appear that it can be very important to you to discover your parents."
"Sir," replied I, "you have never known what it is to feel the want of
parents and friends. Fortunate as you may consider me to be--and I
acknowledge I have every reason to be grateful for my unexpected rise in
life--I would, at this moment, give up all that I am worth, resume my
Foundling dress, and be turned out a beggar, if I could but discover the
authors of my existence."--I then bowed low to the governors, and
quitted the room.