The Valley of Vision : a Book of Romance an Some Half Told Tales by Henry Van Dyke
page 52 of 207 (25%)
page 52 of 207 (25%)
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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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