In one moment the banker's wife saw the whole affair--the whole mystery which had been passing for months under poor M.de Blois' nose, without his having the least notion of the truth.
Mrs.Newcome said she wanted her son to return home with her upon private affairs; and before they had reached the Hermitage a fine battle had ensued between them.

His mother had charged him with being a wretch and a monster, and he had replied fiercely, denying the accusation with scorn, and announcing his wish instantly to marry the most virtuous, the most beautiful of her sex.

To marry a Papist! This was all that was wanted to make poor Tom's cup of bitterness run over.

Mr.Newcome was called in, and the two elders passed a great part of the night in an assault upon the lad.

He was grown too tall for the cane; but Mrs.
Newcome thonged him with the lash of her indignation for many an hour that evening.
He was forbidden to enter, M.de Blois' house, a prohibition at which the spirited young fellow snapped his fingers, and laughed in scorn.
Nothing, he swore, but death should part him from the young lady.