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The Valley of Vision : a Book of Romance an Some Half Told Tales by Henry Van Dyke
page 52 of 207 (25%)
Indeed, some thought he had the best room of all, for though it
was in the wing, it was spacious and well warmed, and had a side
door, so that he could go in and out freely by day or night,

It must be said that he had earned his living on the place, being
industrious and useful, a very handy man about the house; and the
children had a liking for him because he sang merry songs and told
beautiful fairy-tales.

So he was all the more surprised and aggrieved when the Master of
the house said to him one night, as they sat late by the fire:

"I suspect you."

"But of what?" cried the Guest.

"Of caring more for the house that you came from than for the house
that you live in."

"But you know I was at home there once," said the Guest, "would
you have me forget that? Surely you will not deny me the freedom
of my thoughts and memories and fond feelings. Would you make me
less than a man?"

"No," said the Master, "but I will ask you to choose between your
old home and your new home now. The house in which you lived formerly
is become our enemy--a nest of brigands and bloody men. They have
killed a child of ours on the highway. They threaten us to-night
with an attack in force. Tell me plainly where you stand."

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