I sprang upon him with the strength of a tiger, and seizing his puny form in my arms, I dashed him beneath my feet, and after bestowing upon him sundry hearty kicks, rejoined the terrified Alice, and left Mr.Theophilus Moncton, to gather up his fallen dignity, and make the best of his way home to the Hall.
"This frolic cost me far more than I expected.

The next morning, Sir Alexander rode over to the Lodge, and severely reprimanded me for my conduct; and ended his lecture, by affirming in positive terms, that if I did not beg his young relative's pardon, he would withdraw his favour from me for ever.
"This, I proudly refused to do--and the Baronet as proudly told me, 'To see his face no more!' "I looked sorrowfully up as he said this.

The tears were in my eyes, for I loved him very much--but my heart was too full to speak.
"He leant down from his horse, expecting my answer.

I was silent: the colour mounted to his cheeks; he waited a few minutes longer; I made no sign, and he struck the spurs into his horse, and rode quickly away.
"'There goes my only friend!' I cried.

'Curse the mean wretch, who robbed me of my friend! I only regret that I did not kill him!' "Thus for one boyish act of indiscretion I was flung friendless upon the world.