He withdrew his confidence, and treated me with the most pointed neglect.

But he could not well banish me from his table, or deprive me of the standing he had given me among his guests, without insulting them, by having introduced to their notice a person unworthy of it.

On this head I was tolerably secure, as Mr.Moncton was too artful a man to criminate himself.

In a few days, I should now become of age, when the term of my articles would expire.

I should then be my own master; and several private applications had been made to me by a lawyer of eminence, to accept a place in his office, with promises of further advancement; this rendered my uncle's conduct a matter of indifference.