There was a new sternness in his voice; but the look which returned suddenly to his eyes was the old life-long look.
The lad sat watching his father, dazed by the tragedy he was facing.
"It is my duty to tell you as soon as possible—I suppose I ought to tell you now."
"Then speak—why do you sit there—"
The words choked him.
"Oh! oh!—"
"Mother, don't!—"
"What is it?"
"Father, I have been put out of college and expelled from the church."
How loud sounded the minute noises of the fire—the clocks—the blows of an axe at the woodpile—the lowing of a cow at the barn.