I was married; and I never saw my father's face again.

The shock of my disobedience was too hard for him to bear.

He died, and in vain have I sought a place of repentance, though I sought it with tears.
"I have suffered much; but though I cannot conceal from you that your father threw away the best portion of his life, his death was not without hope.

I cling to the trust that his sins were washed away, and his soul made clean in the blood of the Saviour.

Then, by the memory of all that I suffered, and of that father whose features you bear, whose dying words gave testimony to my faithfulness and affection to him, I conjure you to conquer this unfortunate passion, which, if yielded to, will end in your unceasing misery.
"There was little of my large fortune left at your father's death; we have been almost dependant on your uncle.