"Yes, sir, I am the Japhet Newland brought up in this 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.
Chapter XXXVIII
Mischief brewing—Timothy and I set our wits to work, and he resumes his old profession of a gipsy.
I hastened home with feelings too painful to be described. I had a soreness at my heart, an oppression on my spirits, which weighed me down. I had but one wish—that I was dead. I had already imparted to Harcourt the history of my life, and when I came in, I threw myself upon the sofa in despair, and relieved my agonised heart with a flood of tears. As soon as I could compose myself, I stated what had occurred.
"My dear Newland, although it has been an unfortunate occurrence in itself, I do not see that you have so much cause to grieve, for you have this satisfaction, that it appears there has been a wish to reclaim you."