“Father,” said Charley sternly, “do you see that?” And he made a mark on the white cloth.
“My dear boy, yes.”
“That must divide the past from the present. All on that side is to be forgotten. Let it be as if dead. Now for the clean blank page of the future.”
He held out his hand, which was eagerly taken by Sir Philip, and then they were silent for some time; when, in quite changed tones, Charley said, looking at his watch, “Eight o’clock, dad! Shall I ring for a cab?”
Sir Philip did not speak; he only bowed his head, and then wringing his son’s hand, he left the room.
Volume Three—Chapter Four.
Of What are Men’s hearts Composed?
“Hooray, here’s Charley Vining!” cried Nelly, as Sir Philip and his son entered the Brays’ drawing-room; and bounding over the carpet, she ran up, and caught the latter by the hand; but as Charley shook both her thin hands warmly, he glanced across the room to where Laura was standing, flushed and happy.