"So you believe, O'Hara. Emotion is contagious, and you have caught the fever of it—but few men ever catch the fire of thought. You will, you will! But until I have rid you of this delusion you are useless to me. When you are here with Anstruther we shall then see how altruistic tyranny can be, when it is based on thought. And how completely senseless and destructive pure emotion is."
"I will not betray Anstruther to you."
"Do you forget your wife and child?"
"I will not betray him."
"You saw her agony when she was struggling to keep the child afloat?"
"I see that agony now, Father. It is my agony. But I will not betray Anstruther. Do as you will, but quickly, Father—in this final cruelty be merciful."
"My hand is on the key, O'Hara. Must I?"
"Quick!"
"I commend your resolution," said the Father quietly. "Now I promise you that I will not destroy Anstruther, or will I detain him from the fate he wishes for himself. Is this enough?"
"You promise this?"