by notes, which I now perceived to be
absolutely necessary, to more than double its proposed size.

In the leisure of a country residence, I fancied this might be done in
two years; perhaps I was not too sanguine: the experiment, however, was
not made, for about this time a circumstance happened which changed my
views, and indeed my whole system of life.

I had contracted an acquaintance with a person of the name of ----,
recommended to my particular notice by a gentleman of Devonshire, whom I
was proud of an opportunity to oblige. This person's residence at Oxford
was not long, and when he returned to town, I maintained a
correspondence with him by letters. At his particular request, these
were enclosed in a cover, and sent to Lord GROSVENOR: one day I
inadvertently omitted the direction, and his Lordship necessarily
supposing it to be meant for himself, opened and read it. There was
something in it which attracted his notice; and when he gave the letter
to my friend, he had the curiosity to inquire about his correspondent at
Oxford; and, upon the answer he received, the kindness to desire he
might be brought to see him upon his coming to town; to this
circumstance, purely accidental on all sides, and to this alone, I owe
my introduction to that nobleman.

On my first visit, he asked me what friends I had, and what were my
prospects in life; and I told him that I had no friends, and no
prospects of any kind. He said no more; but when I called to take leave,
previous to returning to college, I found that this simple exposure of
my circumstances had sunk deep into his mind. At parting, he informed me
that he had charged himself with my present support, and future
establishment: and that till this last could be effected to my wish, I
should come and reside with him. These were not words of course: they
were more than fulfilled in every point. I did go and reside with him;
and I experienced a warm and cordial reception, a kind and affectionate
esteem, that has known neither diminution nor interruption, from that
hour to this: a period of twenty years!

In his Lordship's house I proceeded with Juvenal, till I was called upon
to accompany his son (one of the most amiable and accomplished young
noblemen that this country, fertile in such characters, could ever
boast) to the continent. With him, in two successive tours, I spent many
years: years of which the remembrance will always be dear to me, from
the recollection tha