CHAPTER XXXI
"I ABSOLVE YOU"
When George reached the counting-rooms, he saw that Bodine was not in his accustomed place. Surmising the truth at once, he hastened to his father's room, and asked almost sternly:
"Where is Captain Bodine?"
"I neither know nor care," was the cool reply. "He is dismissed from my service."
"You have acted unjustly, sir," his son began hotly, "you have punished him for my—"
"George," interrupted his father gravely, "remember what you said about angry words between us."
The young man paced the office excitedly for a few moments in silence and then sat down.
"That's right," resumed his father quietly. "I am glad you are able to attain self-control, for you now require the full possession of all your faculties. Fortunately for both of us, this man, Bodine, has said more than enough to end this folly forever," and he began to repeat the conversation which had taken place.
At a certain point George started, and, looking at his father with a shocked expression, asked, "Did you mean, sir, that you also would rather see me buried than married to a good woman whom I love?"