mankind; not therefore less bitter--the tragedy of ingratitude. At
stupendous cost I have supported, educated, clothed you. You turn upon
me for more. How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a
thankless child! I am Lear."

George tried a thrust: "I always understood my mother left you ample
for me."

"Adjust that impression. She left me less than a sufficiency--nothing
approaching amplitude. To the best of my ability I have fulfilled my
task. It has been hard. I do not complain. I do not ask you for
repayment of any excess that may have been incurred. But I am
embittered by yet further demands. I have been too liberal. Had I
meted out strict justice as I have striven to mete out kindness, my
grey hairs would not be speeding in poverty to the grave. I am
Wolsey."

Upon Wolsey George slammed the door; started for the station.



IV.

Palace Gardens, St. John's Wood, was his aim. There could be no work,
nor even thought of work, until again he had met his lady. Yet how to
meet her cost him another of the wrestles with conjecture that had
been his lot since the cab carried her away.

At first it was easy work. He would call, he decided, with polite
inquiries; and as he pictured the scene his spirits rose. The thunder-