d never injured
you. I resented it also, because I wished to prove to you that I was a
De Benyon, and had spirit to resist an insult. But, general, if you
imagine that I have come here with a determination of forcing myself upon
you, you are much mistaken. I am too proud, and happily am independent by
my own exertions, so as not to require your assistance. Had you received
me kindly, believe me, you would have found a grateful and affectionate
heart to have met that kindness. You would have found a son, whose sole
object through life has been to discover a father, after whom he has
yearned, who would have been delighted to have administered to his wants,
to have yielded to his wishes, to have soothed him in his pain, and to
have watched him in his sickness. Deserted as I have been for so many
years, I trust that I have not disgraced you, General De Benyon; and if
ever I have done wrong, it has been from a wish to discover you. I can
appeal to Lord Windermear for the truth of that assertion. Allow me to
say, that it is a very severe trial--an ordeal which few pass through
with safety--to be thrown as I have been upon the world, with no friend,
no parent to assist or to advise me, to have to bear up against the
contingency of being of unacknowledged and perhaps disgraceful birth.
It is harder still, when I expected to find my dearest wishes realised,
that without any other cause than that of my features resembling those
of my mother, I am to be again cast away. One thing, General De Benyon,
I request, and I trust it will not be denied, which is, that I may assume
the name which I am entitled to. I pledge you that I never will disgrace
it. And now, sir, asking and expecting no more, I take my leave, and you
may be assured, that neither poverty, privation, nor affliction of any
kind, will ever induce me to again intrude into your presence. General
De Benyon, farewell for ever."

I made my father a profound bow, and was quitting the room.

"Stop, sir," said the general. "Stop one moment, if you please."

I obeyed.

"Why did you put me out of temper? Answer me that."

"Allow me to observe, sir, that I did not put you out of temper; and
what is more, that I never lost my own temper during the insult and
injury which I so undeservedly and unexpectedly have received."

"But that very keeping your temper made me more angry, sir."

"That is very possible; but surely I was not to blame. The greatest proof
of a perfect gentle