I was then a headstrong, hot-tempered, unreasonable youth; she--well, she was Spanish, and with a temper and disposition that matched mine.

After many quarrels, we parted in anger.

I went my way, a wild, desperate way; needless to tell you whither such a way leads.
Wrecked in character and prospects, I decided to be quit of the world.

I had thought of suicide--but God held my hand.

Suffice it that I disappeared, that I concocted a false report of my death, and so made room for my younger brother, Talbot, to take the place in the world which I had rendered myself unfit to fill." There was a pause, during which the old man strove for composure.
Derrick began to tremble.