"No, sir, I trust not."

"Then, sir, those whose feelings of pride will not allow them to submit
to an insult ought never to insult others. If, in the warmth of the
moment, they have done so, that pride should immediately induce them to
offer an apology, not only due to the party, but to their own
characters. There is no disgrace in making an apology when we are in
error, but there is a great disgrace in withholding such an act of
common justice and reparation."

"I presume I am to infer from all this, that you expect an apology from
me?"

"General De Benyon, as far as I am concerned, that is now of little
importance; we part, and shall probably never meet again; if you think
that it would make you feel more comfortable, I am willing to receive
it."

"I must suppose by that observation, that you fully expect it, and
otherwise will not stay?"

"I never had a thought of staying, general; you have told me that you
have disinherited and discarded me for ever; no one with the feelings of
a man would ever think of remaining after such a declaration."

"Upon what terms, then, sir, am I to understand that you will consent to
remain with me, and forget all that has passed?"

"My terms are simple, general; you must say that you retract what you
have said, and are very sorry for having insulted me."

"And without I do that, you will never come here again?"

"Most decidedly not, sir. I shall always wish you well, pray for your
happiness, be sorry at your death, and attend your funeral as chief
mourner, although you disinherit me. That is my duty, in return for my
having taken your name, and your having acknowledged that I am your son;
but live with you, or even see you occasionally, I will not, after what
has passed this day, without you make me an apology."

"I was not aware that it was necessary for a father to apologise to his
son."

"If you wrong a stranger, you offer an apology; how much more is it due
to a near relation?"

"But a parent has claims upon his own son, sir, for which he is bound to
tender his duty."

"I grant it, in the ordinary course of things in this life; but, General
De Benyon, what claims have you as a parent upon me? A son in most
cases is indebted to his parents for their care and attention in
infancy--his education--his religious instruction--his choice of a
profession, and his advancement in life, by their exertions and
interest; and when they are called away, he has a reasonable e