"
"You are bold, Ralph, and seem to have forgotten that you are yet but a
mere boy. You forget your years and mine."
"No, sir--pardon me when I so speak--but it is you who have forgotten
them. Was it well to speak as you have spoken?" proudly replied the
youth.
"Ralph, you have forgotten much, or have yet to be taught many things.
You may not have violated confidence, but--"
"I _have not_ violated confidence!" was the abrupt and somewhat
impetuous response, "and will not have it spoken of in that manner. It
is not true that I have abused any trust, and the assertion which I make
shall not therefore be understood as a mere possibility."
The uncle was something astounded by the almost fierce manner of his
nephew; but the only other effect of this expression was simply, while
it diminished his own testiness of manner in his speeches, to add
something to the severity of their character. He knew the indomitable
spirit of the youth, and his pride was enlisted in the desire for its
overthrow.
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