“But suppose that, after all, the Darleys were the ones to blame?”
“Oh, father, we can’t stop to think of that. We do know that they have committed outrage after outrage against our family, and you have always taught me that it was our duty to punish the Edens.”
“Yes, my boy, I have, as my father and my grandfather taught me; but I have often wished the wretched business were at an end. I want to be at peace.”
“And you shall be, father, and soon, too, now,” cried Ralph excitedly. “But you will begin at once?”
“What, making peace?”
“No, father, war,” cried the lad eagerly.
“Yes,” said Sir Morton sternly, “if the Edens do.”
“Oh, father, how calmly you take it all. I should have thought you would be ready to begin at once.”
“Yes, Ralph, because you are young, and have never seen what even the pettiest war means, not even the bright side, with its chivalry and panoply, and gay show. I have seen that, and the other side too.”
“But you would fight, father?” cried the lad, looking astonished.