At Madras,
where the sociable feelings of the resident inhabitants give ready way
to enthusiasm in behalf of any stranger of agreeable qualities, he
experienced that warm hospitality which distinguishes the British
character in the East.
Middlemas was well received in company, and in the way of becoming an
indispensable guest at every entertainment in the place, when the vessel,
on board of which Hartley acted as surgeon's mate, arrived at the same
settlement. The latter would not, from his situation, have been entitled
to expect much civility and attention; but this disadvantage was made up
by his possessing the most powerful introductions from General
Witherington, and from other persons of weight in Leadenhall Street, the
General's friends, to the principal inhabitants in the settlement. He
found himself once more, therefore, moving in the same sphere with
Middlemas, and under the alternative of living with him on decent and
distant terms, or of breaking off with him altogether.
The first of these courses might perhaps have been the wisest; but the
other was most congenial to the blunt and plain character of Hartley,
who saw neither propriety nor comfort in maintaining a show of friendly
intercourse, to conceal hate, contempt, and mutual dislike.
The circle at Fort St. George was much more restricted at that time than
it has been since. The coldness of the young men did not escape notice;
it transpired that they had been once intimates and fellow-students; yet
it was now found that they hesitated at accepting invitations to the
same parties.
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