Deem not that you could escape my fall; if I am driven hence,--as you might drive me,--you share my fate; and mark me, you are delivered up to my revenge! You cease to be my son,--you are my foe.

Child! you know me." The boy, bold as he was, shuddered; but after a pause so brief that a breath scarce passed between his silence and his words, he replied with emphasis,-- "Father, you have read my heart.

I have been persuaded by Lucretia (for she bewitches me) to watch you,--at least, when you are with Sir Miles.
I knew that this was mixed up with Mr.Mainwaring.Now that you have made me understand your own views, I will be true to you,--true without threats." The father looked hard on him, and seemed satisfied with the gaze.
"Remember, at least, that your future rests upon your truth; that is no threat,--that is a thought of hope.

Now sleep or muse on it." He dropped the curtain which his hand had drawn aside, and stole from the room as noiselessly as he had entered.

The boy slept no more.