least, in my own opinion. I could swear an oath in the most approved style, talk politics, and drink a bumper of claret. My father thought highly of my abilities, and regretted that I had already contracted so many evil habits. He frequently reproved me, also, for an unfortunate irascibility of temper, which I was often prone to manifest. Upon one occasion we quarrelled outright; but I do not pretend to justify my conduct, although there may be some extenuating circumstances. My father professed to be a stern republican, as I have already stated: he denounced England upon all occasions, and lauded America to the very echo; but the touchstone had not yet been applied. It happened that I was one day perusing the Life of Commodore Decatur; and, in alluding to his brilliant exploits, said something about the naval glory of Great Britain being obscured. My father sprang from his chair; the blood rushed to his face; his whole frame was convulsed with anger. I saw my error; and was afterward more guarded in my expressions: I had learned that a pretension to republicanism, and republicanism itself, were, in my father, two very different things: I have thought there are many who resemble him.

Evening had once more set in; the family were all assembled in the drawing-room. My

father reclined indolently upon a sofa; my mother was examining some recent prints; my sweet sisters, Eleanor and Rosaline, were playing at chess; while I was engaged at the more congenial employment of nothing. It happened upon this occasion that a young schoolmate, to whom I was much attached, had come to spend the night with me. His name was Huntley; he was about the same age as myself. In the course of the evening he proposed a trial of our skill at the foils; to this I readily assented, and the family were invited as spectators. The masks adjusted, we commenced-each eager for the award of victory. At length Huntley's weapon broke near the point, and, without being aware of this, he struck me violently on the breast. Accident as it was, I rushed furiously upon him, and, beating down his guard, cut his face severely with my foil. The rash act was no sooner done, than I deeply regretted it. My father in the mean time advanced, and with a blow upon my head stretched me upon the floor. I was not seriously hurt, although the blood gushed from the wound. My sisters screamed, and my mother busied herself in washing my face, that I might not soil her new Turkey carpet. It was certain that my father had struck me more violently than he intended; but this I

took not into consideration. I went to bed, and mused upon my disgrace. I had always been so fondly indulged, that even the thought of punishment was more than I could endure. I garnered up in my heart a feeling of hatred, and resolved, in a spirit of revenge, to elope. I had already acquired some romantic notions of a strolling life, which seemed to promise all the enjoyment I wished. I matured my plans, and was ready to depart at the first appearance of the dawn. I sank into a sleep, and did not awake until I was roused by my father, who came early in the morning into my room. I hurried on my clothes; he spoke not a word until I was about to leave the apartment.

"Stop!" said he, with a scowling look. "You have offended, and must be punished. I have had it in contemplation for some time, and now I am resolved to put my plans into execution. You must learn that I, and not yourself, am the master."

I made no reply. He inflicted several blows, without my offering any resistance. Indeed, I was secretly rejoiced at his conduct; it seemed to afford me a sufficient apology for deserting. I hurried to my mother, and told her of my resolution to quit the family. She was astounded, and with tears in her eyes entreated me to remain. I

briefly replied that it was impossible; and, bidding her and my sisters adieu, I tore myself away from their embraces.

"Halloo!" cried a voice at a distance, when I had travelled nearly a mile. I looked around, and saw one of my father's footmen running towards me. He came up almost breathless, and presented me a well-filled purse.

"This is from your mother," said he.
"Blessings upon her !" I ejaculated.
"And this ring is from Miss Eleanor."
"Sweet girl!"

"Miss Rosaline gives her miniature.”
"Charming creature !"

"They wish you to take them as proofs of their affection, and beg you to return, if not immediately, at least in a few days."

"Give them a thousand thanks for these marks of their love and kindness, and tell them they shall always be remembered."

While I was holding this interview with the footman, (which he seemed anxious to prolong,) I observed my father approaching in a circuitous direction; I hastily crossed an adjacent field, and dashed into a thick wood.

I travelled many miles, and, when evening came on, inquired at a farmhouse for lodging. My

VOL. I.-D

youthful appearance excited the curiosity, and, perhaps, suspicion of the inmates. A benevolentlooking old man, whom I supposed to be the patriarch of the house, invited me in, and, at his request, I seated myself in a large armchair, which stood in the centre of the room. The family collected eagerly around me. It appeared as if whole generations had been summoned by some miraculous power to my presence. Whichever way I looked, a dozen eyes were fixed intently upon me. At length I was addressed by a matronlylooking old woman.

"Is thee alone?" she inquired, in a phraseology that denoted her to be one of the disciples of George Fox.

I briefly answered in the affirmative.

"Thee is young to travel!" she again spoke. "Madam," I commenced, with every possible assumption of dignity, "I came here, not to be questioned, but to obtain lodging, if possible, for the night. If you can accommodate me, I have as much money as will pay you."

"Oh, that matters nothing," she replied, somewhat indignantly; "but, to be plain with thee, we are not in the habit of entertaining people with whom we are unacquainted."