"'What mean you by that insinuation, Sir?' he ferociously exclaimed. "'Look on this wasting form,' I replied, 'and let that answer thee.--Wretch that thou art, could not thy injuries to my father satisfy thee, but thou must also seek to destroy his son!' "He did not receive this imprudent accusation calmly, but seized me with a strength I had not power to oppose.--'Since you have taxed me with such an intention,' he exclaimed, 'it shall not be for nothing. Your life has long been in my power, though I have weakly spared it!' "My mother called to him to forbear; but rage had bereaved him of all prudence or consideration, and, wresting the pen-knife from me, he attempted to plunge it into my bosom. "Quick as lightning, my mother caught his hand, and again commanded him to desist, or she would instantly alarm the family. "This declaration recalled him to a sense of his own safety: he sullenly obeyed; but at the same time asserted that the provocation he had received, was more than sufficient to authorise what he had done; and, with many bitter invectives, declared, my insanity should be no defence for offering him such insults! "'Your excuse, Sir,' I exclaimed, 'is too absurd to pass even with a madman; and I am not yet sufficiently bereaved of my senses, to need an explanation of the motives which instigated you to seek my destruction!' "'Then I will not attempt one,' he fiercely replied; 'but boldly say--Corbet Hall cannot--nor shall any longer contain two masters!' "My mother regarded him with a look of ineffable scorn.--'Surely thou too art insane!--Know you not, Sir, where I am, no one shall claim the title of master? and as you value my good opinion, never again dare to entertain such an expectation.' "Mallet was abashed, and, after some moments pause, said--'Do I rightly understand you, Lady Corbet?' "'It appears not, Sir,' answered my mother; 'or you would not thus insolently assume the privilege of acting contrary to my injunction! But from this time, Sir, learn that I expect implicit obedience to my will: if not--as I have raised, you shall likewise find it is in my power to replace you in your original obscurity!'--'To you, Sir,' addressing me, 'I shall only say, that unless you resign the key, I will immediately bring a charge of lunacy against you: nor shall you ever again pass beyond the walls of your present apartment!'--Then ordering Mallet to follow her, with an air of the sternest dignity, she quitted the room. "Mallet knew my mother's temper too well, to irritate her, by a further opposition to her commands; he therefore slowly directed his steps toward the door, when perceiving she was beyond hearing, he turned to me in a menacing manner--'Next time we meet, young man, your life shall surely pay the forfeit for this night's adventure!'