We had a great estate to lose.

Ruin was certain to myself, my mother, my sister.

I had no cause for malice, while every consideration--property, family, life, conscience, the Law--to a son of Israel as the breath of his nostrils--would have stayed my hand, though the foul intent had been ever so strong.
I was not mad.

Death was preferable to shame; and, believe me, I pray, it is so yet." "Who was with thee when the blow was struck ?" "I was on the house-top--my father's house.

Tirzah was with me--at my side--the soul of gentleness.