FATHER AND SON
Norton had ignored the scene between Helen and Tom and his stunned mind was making a desperate fight to prepare for the struggle that was inevitable.
The thing that gave him fresh courage was the promise the girl had repeated that she would go. Somehow he had grown to trust her implicitly. He hadn't time as yet to realize the pity and pathos of such a trust in such an hour. He simply believed that she would keep her word. He had to win his fight now with the boy without the surrender of his secret. Could he do it? It was doubtful, but he was going to try. His back was to the wall.
Tom took another step into the room and the father turned, drew his tall figure erect in an instinctive movement of sorrowful dignity and reserve and walked to the table.
All traces of anger had passed from the boy's handsome young face and a look of regret had taken its place. He began speaking very quietly and reverently:
"Now, Dad, we must face this thing. It's a tragedy for you perhaps——"
The father interrupted:
"How big a tragedy, my son, I hope that you may never know——"
"Anyhow," Tom went on frankly, "I am ashamed of the way I acted. But you're a manly man and you can understand."
"Yes."