Its direct consequences may be transient and few, but it facilitates a repetition, strengthens temptation, and grows into habit.

I pretended some necessity had drawn me from my bed, and that discovering the condition of the barn, I hastened to inform my father.
Some time after this, my father summoned me to his presence.

I had been previously guilty of disobedience to his commands, in a matter about which he was usually very scrupulous.

My brother had been privy to my offence, and had threatened to be my accuser.

On this occasion I expected nothing but arraignment and punishment.