He discouraged all attempts to renew the subject in conversation.
He dwelt upon the arduousness of the office to which I aspired, the temptations to violate my duty with which I should be continually beset, the inevitable death with which the slightest breach of my engagements would be followed, and the long apprenticeship which it would be necessary for me to serve, before I should be fitted to enter into this conclave.
Sometimes my courage was depressed by these representations.

.....

My zeal, however, was sure to revive; and at length Ludloe declared himself willing to assist me in the accomplishment of my wishes.

For this end, it was necessary, he said, that I should be informed of a second obligation, which every candidate must assume.

Before any one could be deemed qualified, he must be thoroughly known to his associates.