It is not for a boyish act of indiscretion I blame you.

You thrashed an insolent lad of your own age for insulting you; and in your place I would have done the same.

To appease his wounded pride, I demanded of you an apology, as the lad was my guest and near kinsman--no very great sacrifice of pride, one would have thought, to a penniless pensioner on my bounty.

This, you audaciously refused, and, without waiting for my anger to cool (for I was not acquainted at the time with the real circumstances of the case) you abandoned your home, and sought protection in the house of my enemy--a man who had thwarted me in every way which lay in his power.

His favour you gained by traducing your benefactor and friend; and you now come to me, after the lapse of years, to make a boast of your wealth.