To J. Halford, Esq.
Dear Halford,
When we were together last, you gave me a very particular and
interesting account of the most remarkable occurrences of your
early life, previous to our acquaintance; and then you requested a
return of confidence from me. Not being in a story-telling humour
at the time, I declined, under the plea of having nothing to tell, and
the like shuffling excuses, which were regarded as wholly
inadmissible by you; for though you instantly turned the
conversation, it was with the air of an uncomplaining, but deeply
injured man, and your face was overshadowed with a cloud which
darkened it to the end of our interview, and, for what I know,
darkens it still; for your letters have, ever since, been
distinguished by a certain dignified, semi-melancholy stiffness and
reserve, that would have been very affecting, if my conscience had
accused me of deserving it.