What I have done has been done openly, before all eyes, and without resort to cunning or contrivance.

I must do myself the justice to believe that you knew all this without the necessity of my speech, and even while your lips spoke the contrary." "You are bold, Ralph, and seem to have forgotten that you are yet but a mere boy.

You forget your years and mine." "No, sir--pardon me when I so speak--but it is you who have forgotten them.

Was it well to speak as you have spoken ?" proudly replied the youth.
"Ralph, you have forgotten much, or have yet to be taught many things.
You may not have violated confidence, but--" "I _have not_ violated confidence!" was the abrupt and somewhat impetuous response, "and will not have it spoken of in that manner.

It is not true that I have abused any trust, and the assertion which I make shall not therefore be understood as a mere possibility." The uncle was something astounded by the almost fierce manner of his nephew; but the only other effect of this expression was simply, while it diminished his own testiness of manner in his speeches, to add something to the severity of their character.