He resembled most Englishmen in being ashamed of the signs of feeling, and, by the absence of demonstration, starving the feelings themselves.

If we consider further that he was in the trying position of sole teacher, and add to this that his temper was constitutionally irritable, it is impossible not to feel true pity for a father who did, and strove to do, so much for his children, who would have so valued their affection, yet who must have been constantly feeling that fear of him was drying it up at its source.
This was no longer the case later in life, and with his younger children.

They loved him tenderly: and if I cannot say so much of myself, I was always loyally devoted to him.

As regards my own education, I hesitate to pronounce whether I was more a loser or gainer by his severity.

It was not such as to prevent me from having a happy childhood.