He tired himself out through the long hot days, and slept at night from
exhaustion. The time thus passed until he felt that he had the strength to
return to the city, and act as if Ella did not dwell there. He also
thought of his father's need of help, and regretted that he had remained
away so long.
The old man looked at him keenly when he returned, seeing that the young
face had grown older by years, and that steadiness of purpose and
resolution were in its every bronzed line.
"It's all right, father," George replied to the questioning glance. "I've
come back to carry out your wishes."
"Ah, my boy! now I know that you are made of the same stuff as your
brother. Well, you won't be sorry."
"I wish to leave this town, and I wish you would too. I don't think it's
good for you to be here."
"I'll think of it, George. I have thought of it. I shouldn't be mulish
since you are not."
"I'm glad you feel so about leaving, father. Go back with me to your old
congenial friends and surroundings. I, for one, don't wish to stay where I
am ostracized."
"Oh, curse the rebels! I've punished them! I've punished them well!"
"I don't wish to punish them; but, since they will have nothing to do with
me, a decent self-respect leads me to go where I can be treated according
to my behavior."
"I know you can't feel as I do. All I ask is that you have nothing to do
with them."
For the next few days, regardless of the heat, George toiled early and
late in his father's office, incited by the hope of soon taking the old
man away on a visit to the more bracing climate of the North.
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