We are all, he says, the sport of destiny. Ah, but not quite.
Destiny is an intelligent force, moving with purpose. In life we
pay for the evil that in life we do. That is the lesson that I
have learnt to-night. By an act of betrayal I begot unknown to me
a son who, whilst as ignorant as myself of our relationship, has
come to be the evil genius of my life, to cross and thwart me, and
finally to help to pull me down in ruin. It is just - poetically
just. My full and resigned acceptance of that fact is the only
atonement I can offer you."
He stooped and took one of madame's hands that lay limply in her lap.
"Good-bye, Therese!" His voice broke. He had reached the end of
his iron self-control.
She rose and clung to him a moment, unashamed before them. The
ashes of that dead romance had been deeply stirred this night, and
deep down some lingering embers had been found that glowed brightly
now before their final extinction. Yet she made no attempt to
detain him. She understood that their son had pointed out the only
wise, the only possible course, and was thankful that M.
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