for answers,) into the great parlour; where were my father, mother, my
two uncles, and sister.

I was struck all of a heap as soon as I entered, to see a solemnity
which I had been so little used to on the like occasions in the
countenance of every dear relation. They all kept their seats. I ran
to my father, and kneeled: then to my mother: and met from both a cold
salute: From my father a blessing but half pronounced: My mother
indeed called me child; but embraced me not with her usual indulgent
ardour.

After I had paid my duty to my uncles, and my compliments to my
sister, which she received with solemn and stiff form, I was bid to
sit down. But my heart was full: and I said it became me to stand, if
I could stand, upon a reception so awful and unusual. I was forced to
turn my face from them, and pull out my handkerchief.

My unbrotherly accuser hereupon stood forth, and charged me with
having received no less than five or six visits at Miss Howe's from
the man they had all so much reason to hate [that was the expression];
notwithstanding the commands I had had to the contrary. And he bid me
deny it if I could.

I had never been used, I said, to deny the truth, nor would I now. I
owned I had in the three weeks passed seen the person I presumed he
meant oftener than five or six times [Pray hear me, brother, said I;
for he was going to flame out], but he always asked for Mrs. or Miss
Howe, when he came.

I proceeded, that I had reason to believe, that both Mrs. Howe and