I remember eating muffins at the time, with marmalade.

He led a miserable life (the son, I mean) and died early; it was a happy release on all accounts; he degraded the family very much.

It is a sad circumstance, Edward, when a father finds it necessary to resort to such strong measures.
'It is,' replied Edward, 'and it is sad when a son, proffering him his love and duty in their best and truest sense, finds himself repelled at every turn, and forced to disobey.

Dear father,' he added, more earnestly though in a gentler tone, 'I have reflected many times on what occurred between us when we first discussed this subject.

Let there be a confidence between us; not in terms, but truth.