But mastering my agitation, I begged him to explain his meaning.
"I have long wished to do so," said he, "but you were so violent and unreasonable, that I thought it prudent to defer unpleasant communications until you were older, and better able to take things calmly.

You have thought me a hard task-master, Geoffrey--a cruel unfeeling tyrant, and from your earliest childhood have defied my authority and resisted my will; yet you know not half the debt of kindness you owe to me." I was about to speak.

He held up his hand for me to maintain silence; which I did with a very bad grace; and he continued in the same cold methodical way-- "Children are naturally averse to control, and are unable to discern between sternness of manner, and a cold unfeeling hardness of heart; and construe into insults and injuries the necessary restraint imposed upon their actions for their good.

Yours, I admit, was a painful situation, which you rendered still more unpleasant by your obstinate and resentful disposition." "But, uncle!" I exclaimed, unable longer to hold my tongue, "you know I was treated very ill." "Who treated you so?
I am very certain, that Rebecca indulged you, as she never did one of her own children." "My dear aunt! God bless her! she was the only creature in the house who treated me with the least kindness.

The very servants were instructed to slight and insult me by your _amiable_ son, and his servile tutor." "He was a fool," said Mr.Moncton, refilling his glass.