Philip, who perceived he was not likely to receive any redress, walked away to meditate in silence over the loss of his miraculous vial. John was called up to his mother’s apartment, and when there admitted, Betty was ordered to retire, and she addressed him as will be found in the following chapter. CHAPTER IV. _Our Hero has an Interview with his Mother._ When John had entered his mother’s chamber, and presented himself to her, she said--As I know that I must prepare myself to meet that summons, from which no mortal is exempt, sit down by me, and hear what I have to say; for whilst my senses hold I wish to communicate to you some particulars, which it imports you to be apprised of, and as they are of a secret nature, I must rely upon your discretion for understanding what is due to the confidence, that I am about to repose in you. I suspect you have been informed by the soldier, who died in this house, of my attachment to his master Captain Jones--(’Tis very well: I understand your signal)--He has told you, and I tell you now again, that my whole life has been embittered by the disappointment and affliction, which I endured, when rigid honour on his part, and over-ruling duty on mine, tore me from the arms of that beloved man, and threw me into those of your unfeeling father. Great as my affection was for Captain Jones, and implicit as my trust, yet I take it on my soul to assure you, that our connection was in the strictest sense correctly pure, and after I was married I never had the fortitude to speak to him, or even see his face. I state this to you, my dear child, not only that you may have it in your power conscientiously to put to silence and dismiss all insinuations against my honour, but also more especially to arm your mind for ever against those alarming fancies, that might else occur to you, if in any future period of time the charms, the virtues and endowments of the daughter should engage your heart, as those of the father captivated mine.