As soon as we separated, my disquietudes returned. I contended with them
in vain, and finally resolved to abandon my present situation. When and
how this purpose was to be effected I knew not. That was to be the theme
of future deliberation.

Evening having arrived, Welbeck proposed to me to accompany me on a
visit to one of his friends. I cheerfully accepted the invitation, and
went with him to your friend Mr. Wortley's. A numerous party was
assembled, chiefly of the female sex. I was introduced by Welbeck by
the title of _a young friend of his_. Notwithstanding my embarrassment,
I did not fail to attend to what passed on this occasion. I remarked
that the utmost deference was paid to my companion, on whom his entrance
into this company appeared to operate like magic. His eyes sparkled; his
features expanded into a benign serenity; and his wonted reserve gave
place to a torrent-like and overflowing elocution.

I marked this change in his deportment with the utmost astonishment. So
great was it, that I could hardly persuade myself that it was the same
person. A mind thus susceptible of new impressions must be, I conceived,
of a wonderful texture. Nothing was further from my expectations than
that this vivacity was mere dissimulation and would take its leave of
him when he left the company; yet this I found to be the case. The door
was no sooner closed after him than his accustomed solemnity returned.
He spake little, and that little was delivered with emphatical and
monosyllabic brevity.

We returned home at a late hour, and I immediately retired to my
chamber, not so much from the desire of repose as in order to enjoy and
pursue my own reflections without interruption.