xpectation
of their leaving him a portion of their substance. They have a heavy
debt of gratitude to pay for what they have received, and they are
further checked by the hopes of what they may hereafter receive. Up to
this time, sir, I have not received the first, and this day I am told
that I need not expect the last. Allow me to ask you, General De
Benyon, upon what grounds you claim from me a filial duty? certainly not
for benefits received, or for benefits in expectation; but I feel that I
am intruding, and therefore, sir, once more, with every wish for your
happiness, I take my leave."

I went out, and had half closed the door after me, when the general
cried out, "Stop--don't go--Japhet--my son--I was in a passion--I beg
your pardon--don't mind what I said--I'm a passionate old fool."

As he uttered this in broken sentences, I returned to him. He held out
his hand. "Forgive me, boy--forgive your father." I knelt down and
kissed his hand; he drew me towards him, and I wept upon his bosom.

PART THREE, CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

FATHER STILL DUTIFULLY SUBMISSIVE AT HOME--ABROAD, I AM SPLITTING A
STRAW IN ARGUMENTS WITH SUSANNAH ABOUT STRAW BONNETS--THE REST OF THE
CHAPTER CONTAINS COQUETRY, COURTING, AND COSTUMES.

It was some time before we were sufficiently composed to enter into
conversation, and then I tried my utmost to please him. Still there was
naturally a restraint on both sides, but I was so particular and devoted
in my attentions, so careful of giving offence, that when he complained
of weariness, and a wish to retire, he stipulated that I should be with
him to breakfast on the next morning.

I hastened to Mr Masterton, although it was late, to communicate to him
all that had passed: he heard me with great interest. "Japhet," said
he, "you have done well--it is the proudest day of your life. You have
completely mastered him. The royal Bengal tiger is tamed. I wish you
joy, my dear fellow. Now I trust that all will be well. But keep your
own counsel; do not let this be known at Reading. Let them still
imagine that your father is as passionate as ever, which he will be,
by-the-by, with everybody else. You have still to follow up your
success, and leave me to help you in other matters."

I returned home to the Piazza, and, thankful to Heaven for the events of
the day, I soon fell fast asleep, and dreamt of Susannah Temple. The
next morning I was early at the Adelphi Hotel; my father had