"What have you done?" said his father, also rising and going back
to his seat.

There was a new sternness in his voice; but the look which returned
suddenly to his eyes was the old life-long look.

The lad sat watching his father, dazed by the tragedy he was
facing.

"It is my duty to tell you as soon as possible--I suppose I ought
to tell you now."

"Then speak--why do you sit there--"

The words choked him.

"Oh! oh!--"

"Mother, don't!--"

"What is it?"

"Father, I have been put out of college and expelled from the
church."

How loud sounded the minute noises of the fire--the clocks--the
blows of an axe at the woodpile--the lowing of a cow at the barn.

"FOR WHAT?"