“Oh, you have paid my debts. And you are still paying them.”
“Is that all? And have you not at all times had the support of my filial affection?”
“Of your protection.”
“My protection is extended only to shield you from those who desire your ruin. And can’t you understand that in withdrawing this child from my authority, disarming him for future conflicts, you are preparing the way for the ruin of us all?”
Grandfather exclaimed, “Oh! oh!”—and went on in his turn:
“I should like to know what you are blaming me for. I took the boy to walk when he needed it, and instilled into him the love of nature.”
“And not the love of his home.”
“Is it my fault that he prefers my society? I never try to teach, for my part—I don’t go about preaching at all times and seasons subordination, tradition, the principles of religion. I simply have respect for life, for liberty if you prefer the word.”
“But liberty is not life. It destroys everything that should be preserved.”
“Oh, don’t let us go over that discussion. What has happened to your son happened to mine.”