You know my constitution .-- Have you breakfasted ?' 'Three hours ago.' 'What a very early dog!' cried his father, contemplating him from behind the toothpick, with a languid smile.
'The truth is,' said Edward, bringing a chair forward, and seating himself near the table, 'that I slept but ill last night, and was glad to rise.

The cause of my uneasiness cannot but be known to you, sir; and it is upon that I wish to speak.' 'My dear boy,' returned his father, 'confide in me, I beg.

But you know my constitution--don't be prosy, Ned.' 'I will be plain, and brief,' said Edward.
'Don't say you will, my good fellow,' returned his father, crossing his legs, 'or you certainly will not.

You are going to tell me'-- 'Plainly this, then,' said the son, with an air of great concern, 'that I know where you were last night--from being on the spot, indeed--and whom you saw, and what your purpose was.' 'You don't say so!' cried his father.

'I am delighted to hear it.