[7] , soimmersedinthought, thatafarheaviertreadthanthelightfootofhischildcouldmake, , andatthathaggardhour, itlookedwornanddejected; andintheutterlonelinesssurroundinghim, therewasanappealtoFlorencethatstruckhome.
[8] “Papa! Papa! Speaktome, dearPapa!”
[9] Hestartedathervoice, , buthefellback.
[10]“Whatisthematter?”hesaid, sternly.“Whydoyoucomehere? Whathasfrightenedyou?”
[11]Ifanythinghadfrightenedher, , andshestoodandlookedathimasifstrickenintostone.
[12], parentalrecognition, , : what, sheneverthoughtanddidnotdaretothink, andyetshefeltitinitsforce, andknewitwellwithoutaname: thatasitlookeduponher, seemedtocastashadowonherhead.
[13]Didheseebeforehimthesuccessfulrivalofhisson, inhealthandlife? Didhelookuponhisownsuccessfulrivalinthatson’saffection? Didamadjealousyandwitheredpride, poisonsweetremembrancesthatshouldhaveendearedandmadeherprecioustohim? Coulditbepossiblethatitwasgalltohimtolookuponherinherbeautyandherpromise: thinkingofhisinfantboy!
[14]: andhopediedoutofhers, asshestoodlookinginherfather’sface.
[15]“Iaskyou, Florence, areyoufrightened? Isthereanythingthematter, thatyoucomehere?”
[16]“Icame, Papa—”
[17]“?”
[18]Shesawheknewwhy: itwaswrittenbroadlyonhisface: anddroppedherheaduponherhandswithoneprolongedlowcry.
[19]Lethimrememberitinthatroom, , , ashebelieves, , yearstocome!
[20], andloose, andscarcelycloseduponher.
[21]“Youaretired, Idaresay,”hesaid, takingupthelight, andleadinghertowardsthedoor, “, .”
