The question now occurred, with painful repetition, who and what was Welbeck?
What was his relation to this foreign lady?
What was the service for which I was to be employed?
I could not be contented without a solution of these mysteries.

Why should I not lay my soul open before my new friend?
Considering my situation, would he regard my fears and my surmises as criminal?
I felt that they originated in laudable habits and views.

My peace of mind depended on the favourable verdict which conscience should pass on my proceedings.

I saw the emptiness of fame and luxury, when put in the balance against the recompense of virtue.

Never would I purchase the blandishments of adulation and the glare of opulence at the price of my honesty.
Amidst these reflections the dinner-hour arrived.