"
He took the hand that was proffered and kissed it, yielding to the
impulse of the unfailing habit of his boyish days. It was an act
symbolical of his complete submission, reestablishing between
himself and his godfather the bond of protected and protector, with
all the mutual claims and duties that it carries. No mere words
could more completely have made his peace with this man who loved
him.
M. de Kercadiou's face flushed a deeper pink, his lip trembled, and
there was a huskiness in the voice that murmured "My dear boy!"
Then he recollected himself, threw back his great head and frowned.
His voice resumed its habitual shrillness. "You realize, I hope,
that you have behaved damnably... damnably, and with the utmost
ingratitude?"
"Does not that depend upon the point of view?" quoth Andre-Louis,
but his tone was studiously conciliatory.
"It depends upon a fact, and not upon any point of view. Since I
have been persuaded to overlook it, I trust that at least you have
some intention of reforming."
"I.
Pages:
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473