on the sofa, and, in a short time, he snored most comfortably. "I
have conquered you," thought I, as I watched him as he lay asleep. "If
I have not yet, I will, that I am resolved." I walked gently to the
door, unlocked it, and opening it without waking him, ordered some broth
to be brought up immediately, saying that the general was asleep, and
that I would wait for it outside. I accomplished this little manoeuvre,
and reclosed the door without waking my father, and then I took my seat
in the chair, and resumed my book, having placed the broth on the side
of the fire grate to keep it warm. In about an hour he awoke, and
looked around him.

"Do you want anything, my dearest father?" inquired I.

The general appeared undecided as to whether to recommence hostilities;
but at last he said, "I wish the attendance of my servants, sir."

"The attendance of a servant can never be equal to that of your own son,
general," replied I, going to the fire, and taking the basin of broth,
which I replaced upon the tray containing the _et cetera_ on a napkin.
"I expected you would require your broth, and I have had it ready for
you."

"It was what I did require, sir, I must acknowledge," replied my father,
and without further remark he finished the broth.

I removed the tray, and then went for the lotion, and again wetted the
bandages on his leg. "Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?"
said I.

"Nothing--I am very comfortable."

"Then, sir," replied I, "I will now take my leave. You have desired me
to quit your presence for ever; and you attempted force. I resisted
that, because I would not allow you to have the painful remembrance that
you had injured one who had strong claims upon you, and had 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, a