“None of that,” growled Bolton. “Sit down, young man, and listen to what I have to say to you. We may not have another chance like this.”
His assumption of a common interest between them was most distasteful; but for all that the minister resumed his chair.
“Now, as I’ve told you, my daughter appears unwilling to allow me out of her sight. She tries to cover her watchfulness under a pretense of solicitude for my health. I’m not well, of course; was knocked down and beaten about the head by one of those devils in the prison— Can’t call them men: no decent man would choose to earn his living that way. But cosseting and coddling in a warm house will never restore me. I want freedom—nothing less. I must be out and away when the mood seizes me night or day. Her affection stifles me at times.... You can’t understand that, of course; you think I’m ungrateful, no doubt; and that I ought—”
“You appear to me, a monster of selfishness,” Wesley Elliot broke in. “You ought to stop thinking of yourself and think of her.”
Bolton’s face drew itself into the mirthless wrinkles which passed for a smile.
“I’m coming to that,” he said with some eagerness. “I do think of her; and that’s why— Can’t you see, man, that eighteen years of prison don’t grow the domestic virtues? A monster of selfishness? You’re dead right. I’m all of that; and I’m too old to change. I can’t play the part of a doting father. I thought I could, before I got out; but I can’t. Twice I’ve been tempted to knock her down, when she stood between me and the door.... Keep cool; I didn’t do it! But I’m afraid of myself, I tell you. I’ve got to have my liberty. She can have hers.... Now here’s my proposition: Lydia’s got money. I don’t know how much. My brother-in-law was a close man. Never even knew he was rich. But she’s got it—all but what she’s spent here trying to square accounts, as she thought. Do they thank her for it? Not much. I know them! But see here, you marry Lydia, whenever you like; then give me ten thousand dollars, and I’ll clear out. I’m not a desirable father-in-law; I know that, as well as you do. But I’ll guarantee to disappear, once my girl is settled. Is it a bargain?”
Elliot shook his head.
“Your daughter doesn’t love me,” he said.
Bolton flung up his hand in an impatient gesture of dissent.
“I stood in the way,” he said. “She was thinking of me, don’t you see? But if I get out— Oh, I promise you I’ll make myself scarce, once this matter is settled.”