"I prefer remaining in town, if your lordship will introduce me to some of the families of your acquaintance. Of course I know no one now."
"Very true; I will introduce you, as agreed, as Mr Newland. It may be as well that you do not know any of our relations, whom I have made to suppose, that you are still abroad—and it would be awkward, when you take your right name by-and-bye. Do you mean to see your mother?"
"Impossible, my lord, at present; by-and-bye I hope to be able."
"Perhaps it's all for the best. I will now write one note to Major Carbonnell, introducing you as my particular friend, and requesting that he will make London agreeable. He knows everybody, and will take you everywhere."
"When does your lordship start for the country?"
"To-morrow; so we may as well part to-night. By-the-by, you have credit at Drummond's, in the name of Newland, for a thousand pounds; the longer you make it last you the better."
His lordship gave me the letter of introduction. I returned to him the sealed packet, shook hands with him, and took my departure.
"Well, sir," said Timothy, rubbing his hands, as he stood before me, "what is the news; for I am dying to hear it—and what is this secret?"
"With regard to the secret, Tim, a secret it must remain. I dare not tell it even to you." Timothy looked rather grave at this reply. "No, Timothy, as a man of honour, I cannot." My conscience smote me when I made use of the term; for, as a man of honour, I had no business to be in possession of it. "My dear Timothy, I have done wrong already, do not ask me to do worse."
"I will not, Japhet; but only tell me what has passed, and what you intend to do?"