. In a moment the full
idea of who he was rushed upon my mind; I ran; I called with an impetuous voice;
I was unable to restrain the vehemence of my emotions.
    The ardour of my feelings disguised my usual tone of speaking, which
otherwise Mr. Collins would infallibly have recognised. His sight was already
dim; he pulled up his horse till I should overtake him; and then said, Who are
you? I do not know you.
    My father! exclaimed I, embracing one of his knees with fervour and delight,
I am your son! once your little Caleb, whom you a thousand times loaded with
your kindness!
    The unexpected repetition of my name gave a kind of shuddering emotion to my
friend, which was however checked by his age, and the calm and benevolent
philosophy that formed one of his most conspicuous habits.
    I did not expect to see you! replied he. - I did not wish it!
    My best, my oldest friend! answered I, respect blending itself with my
impatience, Do not say so! I have not a friend any where in the whole world, but
you! In you at least let me find sympathy and reciprocal affection! If you knew
how anxiously I have thought of you during the whole period of your absence, you
would not thus grievously disappoint me in your return!
    How is it, said Mr. Collins gravely, that you have been reduced to this
forlorn condition? Was it not the inevitable consequence of your own actions?
    The actions of others, not mine! Does not your heart tell you that I am
innocent?
    No. My observation of your early character taught me that you would be
extraordinary. But unhappily all extraordinary men are not good men; that seems
to be a lottery, dependent on circumstances apparently the most trivial.
    Will you hear my justification? I am as sure as I am of my existence that I
can convince you of my purity.
    Certainly, if you require it, I will hear you. But that must not be just
now. I could have been glad to decline it wholly. At my age I am not fit for the
storm, and I am not so sanguine as you in my expectation of the result. Of what
would you convince me? That Mr. Falkland is a suborner and murderer?
    I made no answer. My silence was an affirmative to the question.
    And what benefit will result from this conviction? I have known you a
promising boy, whose character might turn to one side or the other as events
should decide. I have known Mr
