Nemesis! the liberal hand of everlasting justice!
He had deserted that woman in the middle of the road, on which they were flying together passionately into degradation, and now that he wished to return to life, that woman blocked his way.
There was no hope of pity. Besides, who would accept it—from such a hand? At such a price? Such a present must be refused, were it life itself.
Farewell calm happy life! Farewell, intoxicating love!
There was only one way, a direct one—to the opened tomb.
They would laugh over the fallen, but at least not to his face.
The father had departed that way, albeit he had a loving wife, and growing children:—but he was alone in the world. He owed nobody any duty.
There were two enfeebled, frail shadows on earth, to which he owed a duty of care; but they would soon follow him, they had no very long course to run.
Fate must be accomplished.
The father's blood besprinkled the sons. One spirit drew the other after it by the hand, till at last all would be there at home together.