 resolutions were changed, by meeting an old
acquaintance, who I found belonged to a company of comedians, that were going to
make a summer campaign in the country. The company seemed not much to disapprove
of me for an associate. They all, however, apprized me of the importance of the
task at which I aimed; that the public was a many headed monster, and that only
such as had very good heads could please it: that acting was not to be learnt in
a day; and that without some traditional shrugs, which had been on the stage,
and only on the stage, these hundred years, I could never pretend to please. The
next difficulty was in fitting me with parts, as almost every character was in
keeping. I was driven for some time from one character to another, till at last
Horatio was fixed upon, which the presence of the present company has happily
hindered me from acting.«
 

                                   Chap. XXI.

The short continuance of friendship amongst the vicious, which is coeval only
with mutual satisfaction.
 
My son's account was too long to be delivered at once, the first part of it was
begun that night, and he was concluding the rest after dinner the next day, when
the appearance of Mr. Thornhill's equipage at the door seemed to make a pause in
the general satisfaction. The butler, who was now become my friend in the
family, informed me with a whisper, that the 'Squire had already made some
overtures to Miss Wilmot, and that her aunt and uncle seemed highly to approve
the match. Upon Mr. Thornhill's entering, he seemed, at seeing my son and me, to
start back; but I readily imputed that to surprize, and not displeasure.
However, upon our advancing to salute him, he returned our greeting with the
most apparent candour; and after a short time, his presence served only to
encrease the general good humour.
    After tea he called me aside, to enquire after my daughter; but upon my
informing him that my enquiry was unsuccessful, he seemed greatly surprised;
adding, that he had been since frequently at my house, in order to comfort the
rest of my family, whom he left perfectly well. He then asked if I had
communicated her misfortune to Miss Wilmot, or my son; and upon my replying that
I had not told them as yet, he greatly approved my prudence and precaution,
desiring me by all means to keep it a secret: »For at best,« cried he, »it is
but divulging one's own infamy
