away. Oh yes, it was a good stroke of business. Our name has been
built up on 'good strokes of business.' Well, I tell you it's a BAD
stroke of business when human lives are put into the hands of such
creatures as we Kingsnorths have proved ourselves!"

"Stop!" cried Nathaniel, outraged to the innermost sanctuary of his
being. "Stop! You don't speak like one of our family. It is like
listening to some heretic--some--"

"I don't feel like one of your family. YOU are a KINGSNORTH. _I_ am
my MOTHER'S child. My poor, gentle, patient mother, who lived a life
of unselfish resignation: who welcomed death, when it came to her,
as a release from tyranny. Don't call ME a Kingsnorth. I know the
family too well. I know all the name means to the people who have
suffered through YOUR FAMILY."

"After this--the best thing--the only thing--is to separate," said
Nathaniel.

"Whenever you wish."

"I'll make you an allowance."

"Don't let it be a burden."

"I've never been so shocked--so stunned--"

"I am glad. From my cradle I've been shocked and stunned--in my
home. It's some compensation to know you are capable of the feeling,
too. Frankly, I didn't think you were."