From the commencement of my apprenticeship I had seldom seen him; at
first, indeed, we saw each other on Sundays, but each acquiring
different habits, our meetings were less frequent. I am persuaded
his mother contributed greatly towards this change; he was to consider
himself as a person of consequence, I was a pitiful apprentice;
notwithstanding our relationship, equality no longer subsisted between
us, and it was degrading himself to frequent my company. As he had a
natural good heart his mother's lessons did not take an immediate
effect, and for some time he continued to visit me.
Having learned my resolution, he hastened to the spot I had
appointed, not, however, to dissuade me from it, but to render my
flight agreeable, by some trifling presents, as my own resources would
not have carried me far. He gave me, among other things, a small
sword, which I was very proud of, and took with me as far as Turin,
where absolute want constrained me to dispose of it. The more I
reflect on his behavior at this critical moment, the more I am
persuaded he followed the instructions of his mother, and perhaps
his father likewise; for, had he been left to his own feelings, he
would have endeavored to retain, or have been tempted to accompany me;
on the contrary, he encouraged the design, and when he saw me
resolutely determined to pursue it, without seeming much affected,
left me to my fate. We never saw or wrote to each other from that
time: I cannot but regret this loss, for his heart was essentially
good, and we seemed formed for a more lasting friendship.
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