assistance, and
warranted by the Almighty to pursue his course, even if that course
should be contrary to the Almighty's precepts. Thus was I led away by
my own imaginings, and thus was my _monomania_ increased to an impetus
which forced before it all consideration of what was right or wrong.

PART ONE, CHAPTER NINETEEN.

AN IMPORTANT CHAPTER--I MAKE SOME IMPORTANT ACQUAINTANCES, OBTAIN SOME
IMPORTANT PAPERS, WHICH I AM IMPORTUNATE TO READ THROUGH.

The next morning I told my dream to Timothy, who laughed very heartily
at my idea of the finger of Providence. At last, perceiving that I was
angry with him, he pretended to be convinced. When I had finished my
breakfast, I sent to inquire the number in the square of Lord
Windermear's town house, and wrote the following simple note to his
lordship, "_Japhet Newland_ has arrived from his tour at the Piazza,
Covent Garden." This was confided to Timothy, and I then set off with
the other letter to Mr Masterton, which was addressed to Lincoln's Inn.
By reading the addresses of the several legal gentlemen, I found out
that Mr Masterton was located on the first floor. I rang the bell,
which had the effect of "Open, Sesame," as the door appeared to swing to
adroit me without any assistance. I entered an ante-room, and from
thence found myself in the presence of Mr Masterton--a little old man,
with spectacles on his nose, sitting at a table covered with papers. He
offered me a chair, and I presented the letter.

"I see that I am addressing Mr Neville," said he, after he had perused
the letter. "I congratulate you on your return. You may not, perhaps,
remember me?"

"Indeed, sir, I cannot say that I do exactly."

"I could not expect it, my dear sir, you have been so long away. You
have very much improved in person, I must say; yet still, I recollect
your features as a mere boy. Without compliment, I had no idea that you
would ever have made so handsome a man." I bowed to the compliment.
"Have you heard from your uncle?"

"I had a few lines from Lord Windermear, enclosing your letter."

"He is well, I hope."

"Quite well, I believe."

Mr Masterton then rose, went to an iron safe, and brought out a packet
of papers, which he put into my hands. "You will read these with
interest, Mr Neville. I am a party to the whole transaction, and must
venture to advise you not to appear in England under your own name,
until all is settled. Your uncle, I perceive, has b