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But in Clerval I saw the image of my former self; he was

inquisitive and anxious to gain experience and instruction. The

difference of manners which he observed was to him an

inexhaustible source of instruction and amusement. He was also

pursuing an object he had long had in view. His design was to

visit India, in the belief that he had in his knowledge of its

various languages, and in the views he had taken of its society,

the means of materially assisting the progress of European

colonization and trade. In Britain only could he further the

execution of his plan. He was for ever busy, and the only check

to his enjoyments was my sorrowful and dejected mind. I tried to

conceal this as much as possible, that I might not debar him from

the pleasures natural to one who was entering on a new scene of

life, undisturbed by any care or bitter recollection. I often

refused to accompany him, alleging another engagement, that I

might remain alone.