WILLIAM.
How could the Colonel be answerable for what his son said?
EDWARD.
Fiery is a hot-headed foolish man, and because he could not have satisfaction from a youth, demanded it of the father. He apologized for his son’s imprudence; but Fiery would not listen to reason, he compelled the other to meet him, his profession did not allow him to refuse a challenge; he was killed on the spot, and Fiery sat off directly for France.
CHARLES.
And what will he get by the name of courage, which his rash insensibility may have procured him? He must never return to his native country, his hands have been dyed in the blood of his fellow-creature, he has robbed a family of its support, and in consequence of his violating the laws of humanity, is compelled to wander in a strange country, and only to receive that attention his money will procure.
WILLIAM.
But young Brown, how I pity him!
CHARLES.
Yes, he deserves pity; he is continually upbraiding himself with his folly, and lamenting his rashness, his want of consideration, which has deprived his mother of all her comfort, and himself of a tender friend and affectionate father.