"Who will prevent me?" said Hill, trying to bluster.
"I shall," said Allen decisively; "you are not fit to manage your own affairs or to rule a house. If you come back--as you shall--my mother, who loves you, will do all she can to make you happy. I also, as your son, will give you all respect due to a father."
"You're doing so now, I think," sneered Hill, very white.
"God help me, what else can I do?" cried Allen, restraining himself by a violent effort; "if you could see yourself you would know what it costs me to speak to you like this. But, for your own sake, for my mother's sake, for my own, I must take the upper hand."
Hill leaped panting from his seat. "You dare!----"
"Sit down," said his son imperiously, and pushed him back in his chair; "yes, I dare, father. As you are not responsible, I shall deal with you as I think is for your good. I know how to deal with men," said Allen, looking very tall and very strong, "and so I shall deal with you."
"You forget," panted Hill, with dry lips, "I have the money."
"I forget nothing. I shall have a commission of lunacy taken out against you and the money matters shall be arranged----"
"Oh," Hill burst into tears, and turned to the quiet, observant Mask, "can you sit and hear all this?"
"I think your son is right, Lawrence."