“I have read it, mother.”
She made no reply, but his face was good for her eyes to see. It had no hatred or repulsion.
“I know everything now,” he added. “I see it all, and I understand all you have suffered these many years.”
“Oh, my son, you forgive your mother?” She was trembling with emotion.
He leaned over and caught her wonderful head to his shoulder. “I love you, mother,” he said gently. “I need you—need you more than I ever did.”
“I have no heart any more, and I fear for you—”
“Why should you fear for me? You wanted me to beat him, didn’t you?” His face grew hard, his lips became scornful. “Wasn’t it the only way to make him settle his account?”
“Yes, the only way. It was not that I fear for you in politics. I was sure you would win the election. It was not that, it was the girl.”
“That’s all finished. I am free at last,” he said. He held the blue certificate before her eyes.
Her face was deadly pale, her eyes expanded, her breath came sharp and quick. “How was it don how was it done? Was she here in Montreal?”