is anger
confine itself to words, and patiently to wait till the paroxysm should
end or subside of itself. To effect this purpose, I kept my seat, and
carefully excluded from my countenance every indication of timidity and
panic on the one hand, and of scorn and defiance on the other. My look
and attitude were those of a man who expected harsh words, but who
entertained no suspicion that blows would be inflicted.

I was indebted for my safety to an inflexible adherence to this medium.
To have strayed, for a moment, to either side, would have brought upon
me his blows. That he did not instantly resort to violence inspired me
with courage, since it depended on myself whether food should be
supplied to his passion. Rage must either progress or decline; and,
since it was in total want of provocation, it could not fail of
gradually subsiding.

My demeanour was calculated to damp the flame, not only by its direct
influence, but by diverting his attention from the wrongs which he had
received, to the novelty of my behaviour. The disparity in size and
strength between us was too evident to make him believe that I confided
in my sinews for my defence; and, since I betrayed neither contempt nor
fear, he could not but conclude that I trusted to my own integrity or to
his moderation. I seized the first pause in his rhetoric to enforce this
sentiment.

"You are angry, Mr. Hadwin, and are loud in your threats; but they do
not frighten me. They excite no apprehension or alarm, because I know
myself able to convince you that I have not injured you. This is an inn,
and I am your guest. I am sure I shall find better entertainment than
blows. Come," continued I, smiling, "it is possible that I am not so
mischievous a wretch as your fancy paints me. I have no claims upon your
niece but that of friendship, and she is now in the house of an honest
man, Mr. Curling, where she proposes to continue as long as is
convenient.

"It is true that your brother left a will, which his daughter burnt in
my presence, because she dreaded the authority which that will gave you,
not only over her property, but person. It is true that on leaving the
house she took away the money which was now her own, and which was
necessary to subsistence. It is true that I bore her company, and have
left her in an honest man's keeping. I am answerable for nothing more.
As to you, I meant not to injure you; I advised not the burning of the
will. I was a stranger, till