ABSTRACT
I had now been absent from my country sixteen years. I had gone out in the flush of youth, in the period most fitted for adventure. I had passed the whole of that period in deep obscurity, having gained nothing but experience, and a small portion of what is called knowledge of the world. When I had got together the whole of what I was worth, I found myself the possessor of one hundred pounds. I was in the situation of Adam, when he was expelled / out of paradise. I knew no one; I belonged to no one. The soil of England was before 37me, where to chuse my place of rest. I might wander as I pleased, uncontroled by any foe, unaided by any friend.
