"I wish you had died long ago; then you would have never come beneath my roof to destroy its peace for ever.

You have acted basely, palming yourself upon us--counterfeit as you were! and taking in exchange her true love and my honest, honourable regard." Clarence attempted to speak, but Mr.Bates glared at him, and continued--"There are laws to punish thieves and counterfeits--but such as you may go unchastised, except by the abhorrence of all honourable men.

Had you been unaware of your origin, and had the revelation of this gentleman been as new to you as to me, you would have deserved sympathy; but you have been acting a lie, claiming a position in society to which you knew you had no right, and deserve execration and contempt.

Did I treat you as my feelings dictated, you would understand what is meant by the weight of a father's anger; but I do not wish the world to know that my daughter has been wasting her affections upon a worthless nigger; that is all that protects you! Now, hear me," he added, fiercely,--"if ever you presume to darken my door again, or attempt to approach my daughter, I will shoot you, as sure as you sit there before me!" "And serve you perfectly right!" observed George Stevens.
"Silence, sir!" rejoined Clarence, sternly.

"How dare you interfere?
He may say what he likes--reproach me as he pleases--_he_ is _her_ father--I have no other reply; but if you dare again to utter a word, I'll--" and Clarence paused and looked about him as if in search of something with which to enforce silence.
Feeble-looking as he was, there was an air of determination about him which commanded acquiescence, and George Stevens did not venture upon another observation during the interview.
"I want my daughter's letters--every line she ever wrote to you; get them at once--I want them now," said Mr.Bates, imperatively.
"I cannot give them to you immediately, they are not accessible at present.
Does she want them ?" he asked, feebly--"has she desired to have them back ?" "Never mind that!" said the old man, sternly; "no evasions.