You may say I have no longer an
interest even in vindicating my name. My son has wrecked himself by a
marriage. I forgot to tell you he stopped at Feltram, and this morning
wrote to pray a parting interview. If I grant it, it shall be the last. I
shall never see him or correspond with him more.'
The old man seemed much overcome, and held his hankerchief to his eyes.
'He and his wife are, I understand, about to emigrate; the sooner the
better,' he resumed, bitterly. 'Deeply, Maud, I regret having tolerated his
suit to you, even for a moment. Had I thought it over, as I did the whole
case last night, nothing could have induced me to permit it. But I have
lived for so long like a monk in his cell, my wants and observation limited
to the narrow compass of this chamber, that my knowledge of the world has
died out with my youth and my hopes: and I did not, as I ought to have
done, consider many objections. Therefore, dear Maud, on this one subject,
I entreat, be silent; its discussion can effect nothing now. I was wrong,
and frankly ask you to forget my mistake.'
I had been on the point of writing to Lady Knollys on this odious subject,
when, happily, it was set at rest by the disclosure of yesterday; and being
so, I could have no difficulty in acceding to my uncle's request.
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