my mind, when a man is perpetually declaring he is not
your father, one may now and then be forgiven in forgetting that you are
to behave as his son."

"Things went on in this way sadly enough for about three years and a
half, when Master Clinton was nearly eighteen. One evening, after
my lord had been unusually stormy, Master Clinton's spirit warmed, I
suppose, and, from word to word, the dispute increased, till my lord, in
a furious rage, ordered in the servants, and told them to horsewhip his
son. Imagine, sir, what a disgrace to that noble house! But there was
not one of them who would not rather have cut off his right hand than
laid a finger upon Master Clinton, so greatly was he beloved; and,
at last, my lord summoned his own gentleman, a German, six feet high,
entirely devoted to his lordship, and commanded him, upon pain of
instant dismissal, to make use in his presence of a horsewhip which he
put into his hand."

"The German did not dare refuse, so he approached Master Clinton. The
servants were still in the room, and perhaps they would have been
bold enough to rescue Master Clinton, had there been any need of their
assistance; but he was a tall youth, as bold as a hero, and, when the
German approached, he caught him by the throat, threw him down, and very
nearly strangled him; he then, while my lord was speechless with rage,
left the room, and did not return all night. (What a body it has,
sir--ah!)"

"The next morning I was in a little room adjoining my lord's study,
looking over some papers and maps. His lordship did not know of my
presence, but was sitting alone at breakfast, when Master Clinton
suddenly entered the study; the door leading to my room was ajar, and I
heard all the conversation that ensued."

"My lord asked him very angrily how he had dared absent himself all
night; but Master Clinton, making no reply to this question, said, in
a very calm, loud voice, which I think I hear now, 'My lord, after the
insult you have offered to me, it is perhaps unnecessary to observe that
nothing could induce me to remain under your roof. I come, therefore, to
take my last leave of you.'"

"He paused, and my lord (probably like me, being taken by surprise)
making no reply, he continued, 'You have often told me, my lord, that I
am not your son; if this be possible, so much the more must you rejoice
at the idea of ridding your presence of an intruder.' 'And how, sir,
do you expect to live, except upon my bo