"You must know, Oliver, that some of these talking women, who I think make all the business of the world their own, have accused Henry of keeping light company with glee women and suchlike.

Catharine took it to heart; and I held my child insulted, that he had not waited upon her like a Valentine, but had thrown himself into unseemly society on the very day when, by ancient custom, he might have had an opportunity to press his interest with my daughter.

Therefore, when he came hither late on the evening of St.Valentine's, I, like a hasty old fool, bid him go home to the company he had left, and denied him admittance.

I have not seen him since, and I begin to think that I may have been too rash in the matter.

She is my only child, and the grave should have her sooner than a debauchee, But I have hitherto thought I knew Henry Gow as if he were my son.