I was resolved to employ the first opportunity that offered for this end.
My meditations had been ardently pursued, and, when I recalled my attention, I found myself bewildered among fields and fences.

It was late before I extricated myself from unknown paths, and reached home.
I entered the parlour; but Welbeck was not there.

A table, with tea-equipage for one person, was set; from which I inferred that Welbeck was engaged abroad.

This belief was confirmed by the report of the servant.

He could not inform me where his master was, but merely that he should not take tea at home.