“There was no limit to my father’s abuse when it became known to a few of his friends that I had been seen in company with the collier’s daughter.  I endured all, and was willing to endure more.  He seemed to have a peculiar dislike of Evelina’s father, as also to her.  This I could not account for.

“At length I became of age, and on my birthday my father called me to him, and, in his usual stern, uncompromising way, asked me if I persisted in paying attention to Evelina.  I answered promptly that I did.  I had had so many conflicts that I had lost much of my timidity, and I now defined my position clear, and maintained it resolutely.

“‘Then leave my house at once!’ said my father.  ’I throw you from me as I would a reptile from my clothes; and go, go with my curse upon you!  Take your penniless girl, and build yourself a name if you can; for you have lost the one you might have held with honor to yourself and to me.  I had chosen for you a wife, a rich and fashionable lady, the daughter of a nobleman, and one of whom to be proud; but you have thought best to be your own judge in such matters, and you made a fool of yourself.  But you shall not stamp my family with such folly, or wed its name to dishonor.’

“I endeavored to reply; but he would hear no word from my lips.  He sprang from his seat, walked the room in the greatest rage, and whenever I opened my mouth to speak would shout, ’Stop your noise, you ungrateful, heartless wretch!’

“He was determined to carry out his threat.  That night he locked me out of the house, and took special pains to make the windows fast.  In the papers of the next day he advertised me as disinherited and cast off, and warned the world against me.  He also circulated false reports respecting me, and spared neither money nor effort to injure me.  He prejudiced my employers, so that they at once discharged me, without a moment’s warning.  And all this from a father!  How often I thought of that loving, sympathizing mother!  How often I recognized her presence in my silent hours of thought!  Dear, sainted friend! she was with me often, unseen but not unfelt.

“Evelina faltered not.  She bore all the opprobrium of false friends with a brave heart, and rested on my promises as the dove rests its weary head beneath its downy wing.  Her father had confidence in me.

“It was astonishing how changed all things were.  The day previous, I was the son of a wealthy and influential man.  I was respected, apparently, by all.  Very many professed a friendship for me, and told me how much they valued my company.  Young ladies politely recognized me as I passed through the streets; and old ladies singled me out as an example for their sons to follow.  But on that day no one knew me.  Not one of those who had professed such friendship for me came and took me by the hand when I needed their friendly grasp the most!  Young ladies, when we met, cast their glances on the earth, on the sky, anywhere but on me.  Old ladies scandalized me, and warned the objects of their paternal consideration against a course like mine.