Three months before, had I met Captain Atkinson, I should have returned his bow with studied politeness, and have left him; but how changed were my feelings! I took his hand, and shook it warmly.
"My dear sir," replied I, "I am very much obliged for your kind and considerate conduct; there are more who are inclined to calumniate than to defend."
"And always will be in this world, Mr Newland; but I have a fellow feeling. I recollect how I was received and flattered when I was introduced as a young man of fortune, and how I was deserted and neglected when I was cleaned out. I know now why they are so civil to me, and I value their civility at just as much as it is worth. Will you accept my arm:—I am going your way"
I could not refuse; but I coloured when I took it, for I felt that I was not adding to my reputation by being seen in his company; and still I felt, that although not adding to my reputation, I was less likely to receive insult, and that the same cause which induced them to be civil to him, would perhaps operate when they found me allied with him. "Be it so," thought I, "I will, if possible, extort politeness."
We were strolling down Bond Street, when we met a young man, well known in the fashionable circles, who had dropped my acquaintance, after having been formerly most pressing to obtain it. Atkinson faced him. "Good morning, Mr Oxberry."
"Good morning, Captain Atkinson," replied Mr Oxberry.
"I thought you knew my friend Mr Newland?" observed Atkinson, rather fiercely.
"Oh! really—I quite—I beg pardon. Good morning, Mr Newland; you have been long absent. I did not see you at Lady Maelstrom's last night."
"No," replied I, carelessly, "nor will you ever. When you next see her ladyship, ask her, with my compliments, whether she has had another fainting fit."
"I shall certainly have great pleasure in carrying your message, Mr Newland—good morning."