it was true. A grave, stern man--sternest, gravest on Sunday. When
it was not possible to go to church, the greater to him the reason
that the house itself should become churchlike in solemnity, out of
respect to the day and the duty of self-examination. A man of many
failings, but on this subject strong.

David sat down and waited for him to reach the end of the page or
chapter. But his father read on with a slow perceptible movement of
his lips.

"Father."

The gray head was turned slowly toward him in silent resentment of
the interruption.

"I thought it would be better to come down and talk with you."

The eyes resought the page, the lips resumed their movements.

"I am sorry to interrupt you."

The eye still followed the inspired words, from left to right, left
to right, left to right.

"Father, things ought not to go on in this way between us. I have
been at home now for two months. I have waited, hoping that you
would give me the chance to talk about it all. You have declined,
and meantime I have simply been at work, as I used to be. But this
must not be put off longer for several reasons. There are other
things in my life now that I have to think of and care for." The