w seconds, and then replied, "It
becomes not one so young and weak as I am, to argue with thee, who art
so much my senior. I cannot cavil at opinions which, if not correct, at
least are founded on the holy writings; but I have been otherwise
instructed."

"Then let us drop the argument, Miss Susannah, and let me tell you, that
Japhet wished to resume his Quaker's dress, and I would not permit him.
If there is any blame, it is to be laid to me; and it's no use being
angry with an old man like myself."

"I have no right to be angry with anyone," replied Susannah.

"But you were angry with me, Susannah," interrupted I.

"I cannot say that it was anger, Japhet Newland: I hardly know what the
feeling might have been; but I was wrong, and I must request thy
forgiveness;" and Susannah held out her hand.

"Now you must forgive me too, Miss Temple," said old Masterton, and
Susannah laughed against her wishes.

The conversation then became general. Mr Masterton explained to Mr
Cophagus what he required of him, and Mr Cophagus immediately acceded.
It was arranged that he should go to town by the mail the next day. Mr
Masterton talked a great deal about my father, and gave his character in
its true light, as he considered it would be advantageous to me so to
do. He then entered into conversation upon a variety of topics, and was
certainly very amusing. Susannah laughed very heartily before the
evening was over, and Mr Masterton retired to the hotel, for I had
resolved to sleep in my own bed.

I walked home with Mr Masterton: I then returned to the house, and
found them all in the parlour. Mrs Cophagus was expressing her delight
at the amusement she had received, when I entered with a grave face. "I
wish that I had not left you," said I to Mrs Cophagus; "I am afraid to
meet my father; he will exact the most implicit obedience. What am I to
do? Must not I obey him?"

"In all things lawful," replied Susannah, "most certainly, Japhet."

"In all things lawful, Susannah! now tell me, in the very case of my
apparel: Mr Masterton says, that he never will permit me to wear the
dress. What am I to do?"

"Thou hast thy religion and thy Bible for thy guide, Japhet."

"I have; and in the Bible I find written on tablets of stone by the
prophet of God, `Honour thy father and thy mother;' there is a positive
commandment: but I find no commandment to wear this or that dress. What
think you?" continued I, appealing to them al