I do hope
that you will give me your hand."
All the others who had held aloof from Bathurst came forward and
expressed their deep regret for what had occurred.
Bathurst heard them in silence.
"I do not feel that there is anything to forgive," he said quietly.
"I am glad to hear what you say, and I know you mean it, and I accept
the hands you offer, but what you felt towards me has affected me
but little, for your contempt for me was as nothing to my contempt
of myself. Nothing can alter the fact that here, where every man's
hand was wanted to defend the ladies and children, my hand was
paralyzed; that whatever I may be at other times, in the hour of
battle I fail hopelessly; nothing that I can do can wipe out, from
my own consciousness, that disgrace."
"You exaggerate it altogether, Bathurst," Wilson broke in hotly. "It
is nonsense your talking like that, after the way you jumped down
into the middle of them with that mace of yours. It was splendid."
"More than that, Mr. Bathurst," Mrs. Doolan said, "I think we women
know what true courage is; and there is not one of us but has, since
this siege began, been helped and strengthened by your calmness
--not one but has reason to be grateful for your kindness to our
children during this terrible time. I won't hear even you speak
against yourself."
"Then I will not do so, Mrs. Doolan," he said, with a grave smile.
"And now I will go and sit with the Major for a time.
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