first it is my will that, as the great and good proprietary decreed, thou
shouldst acquire some mechanic trade; I care not what."

I was silent; I did not like it. Even far later, certain of the stricter
Friends adhered to a rule which was once useful, but was now no longer held
to be of imperative force.

"I would suggest shoemaking," said my Aunt Gainor, scornfully, "or
tailoring."

"I beg of thee, Gainor," said my mother, "not to discontent the lad."

"In this matter," returned my father, "I will not be thwarted. I asked thee
to come hither, not to ridicule a sensible decision, but to consult upon
it."

"You. have had all my wisdom," said the lady. "I had thought to ask my
friend, Charles Townshend, for a pair of colours; but now that troops are
sent to Boston to override all reason, I doubt it. Do as you will with the
boy. I wash my hands of him."

This was by no means my father's intention. I saw his face set in an
expression I well knew; but my mother laid a hand on his arm, and, with
what must have been a great effort, he controlled his anger, and said
coldly: "I have talked this over with thy friend, Joseph Warder, and he
desired that his son should share in my decision as to Hugh. Talk to him,
Gainor."

"I do not take counsel with my agent, John. He does as I bid him. I could
shift his opinions at a word. He is a Tory to-day, and a Whig to-morrow,