Certain things done by Mr.Winters, who was independent in his modes of thinking and acting, had been misunderstood by Mr.Howland, or judged by one of his peculiar standards of virtue.

From that time he was considered a bad man; and, although Mrs.Winters, who was a woman beloved by all that knew her, called upon Mrs.Howland when the family of the latter came into the neighborhood, Mr.Howland positively forbade a return of the call.

Less obedient to his arbitrary commands did he find his son.

Andrew formed an early friendship for little Emily, and sought every opportunity, spite of restriction and punishment, to enjoy her society.
This was continued until the children grew to a size that caused the parents of Emily to observe the attachment as one far from being agreeable to them, and to feel desirous of drawing a line of separation between their daughter and a boy so notoriously bad as Andrew Howland.

When the children were twelve years old, they felt bound to take some action in the case, and began by giving Andrew a gentle hint, one day, to the effect that his visits to their house were rather too frequent.