"
"I rather think that I have found that I was born for it," replied
Humphrey, "although, I must confess, that since you have quitted us, I
have not felt so contented here as I did before. You have returned,
and you have no idea what an alteration I see in you since you have
mixed with the world, and have been a party in such stirring scenes."
"Perhaps so, Humphrey," replied Edward; "and yet do you know, that,
although I so ardently wished to mix with the world, and to follow the
wars, I am any thing but satisfied with what I have seen of it; and so
far from feeling any inclination to return to it, I rather feel more
inclined to remain here, and remain in quiet and in peace. I have been
disappointed, that is the truth. There is a great difference between
the world such as we fancy it when we are pining for it, and the world
when we actually are placed within the vortex, and perceive the secret
springs of men's actions. I have gained a lesson, but not a
satisfactory one, Humphrey; it may be told in a very few words. It is
a most deceitful and hollow world! and that is all said in a few
words."
"What very agreeable, pleasant young men are Master Chaloner and
Grenville," observed Humphrey.
"Chaloner I know well," replied Edward; "he is to be trusted, and he
is the only one in whom I have been able to place confidence, and
therefore I was most fortunate in falling in with him as I did on my
first starting.
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