The impulse of pity, that now struck upon the heart of John, was instantaneous. He stopped his horse, dismounted, relieved him by slackening the stricture of his girths, turned his nostrils to the wind, wiped the sweat from his face and ears, caressed him and in his heart asked pardon for the unreasonable fatigue he had exposed him to. Whilst this was passing Ben came panting up: what he had in mind to say is lost to the world, forasmuch as being rather pursey, Ben had not breath to utter it; besides which, the offender having now recollected himself, had prevented his curiosity at the same time that he softened his remonstrance, by apologising for his excursion, confessing that he had forgotten himself, and did not know why he came there, nor where he was. ’Tis very well then that I can tell you whereabouts you are, Ben replied. Well! and where am I? John demanded. Out of your road, said Ben, quite and clean; that’s where you are, and so I would have told you in good time, hadn’t you gallopped on at such a pelting rate, that I couldn’t get up to you: And now may I ask without offence where it is your pleasure to go next? Home, to the Castle--was the answer. Then we must not travel quite so fast if you please, said Ben; for the road is somewhat difficult to hit off, and not over smooth besides. Lead the way! John replied: go your own pace, and I’ll follow--This point being adjusted, conversation ceased, and our young hero began to meditate as follows-- That I have cause to feel and resent the treatment I have received is an opinion that I still persist in, but I am conscious of the folly I have been guilty of in suffering myself to be hurried into such ridiculous excesses, as I have now been giving way to. Of this I am most heartily ashamed; but after being denied access to Amelia, when coming by my mother’s authority, and bringing her present in my hand as my introduction, I hold myself justified in resolving never more to enter Mrs. Jennings’s doors, nor subject myself to be considered by that precise repulsive lady as an unwelcome and obnoxious visitor. If there was no collusion between the governess and her charge, (and I confess there does not appear to have been any such) I certainly have no reason to be offended with Amelia, who perhaps may have felt some portion of that disappointment, which fell so heavily upon me. All that I have promised and solemnly pledged myself to do in her behalf, I will faithfully fulfil; but I will not allow Mrs. Jennings to misinterpret my attentions and suspect that I am governed by any motives with regard to the lovely and engaging orphan under her care, which are not simply directed to her service, and strictly consistent with the purest honour: She shall not therefore be alarmed in future by any assiduities on my part, which it shall be possible for her to misconstrue and suspect. Heaven knows I have need enough of instruction, and to my studies under